Training to become a fighter pilot is indeed a rigorous and lengthy process but for good reason. Across different air forces globally the timeline spans several years reflecting the complexity and high performance nature of the role.
For instance in the Indian Air Force candidates undergo approximately three years of training. This includes foundational training at institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Air Force Academy followed by specialized operational training to handle fighter aircraft. A recent summary even suggests total training durations inclusive of NDA Air Force Academy and operational phases can stretch from three to five years.
Similarly, in the United States Air Force aspiring fighter pilots follow a multistage training path first around one year of Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) then six months to a year of advanced aircraft specific training and often followed by additional formal training units before qualification. In some cases including IFF (Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals) and advanced B-courses the entire process can take three to four years to produce combat-ready fighter pilots, including mission qualification training.
Canada’s training pipeline is similarly extensive multiple phases across basic fast jet preliminaries Hawk training and eventual operational training on CF 18s each stage taking weeks to months cumulatively spanning several years.
Given the high stakes of flying fighter jets where split second decisions immense G forces sophisticated weapon systems and extreme tactical environments are the norm the prolonged training ensures pilots are fully prepared both mentally and physically. The extended timeline is not excessive it's necessary. It ensures precision safety mission effectiveness, and survival under combat conditions.