Fifty trainee pilots jobs could go at airbases in Shropshire and North Wales because of cuts to military spending, it was reported today.

Up to 100 student pilots, including 30 helicopter pilots at RAF Shawbury and 20 fast jet pilots at RAF Valley on Anglesey plus 50 transport pilots based elsewhere, will be told the news tomorrow that they have no future in the Royal Air Force, reports said.

Today the Ministry of Defence refused to comment on the details of how last year’s Strategic Defence and Security Review by the Tory-led government might affect trainee pilots.

An MoD spokesperson said: “The SDSR has already made clear there will be a reduction in the number of assets and airframes across all three services and that the RAF would be reduced by about 5,000.

“However, any reductions in the RAF will not affect Operations in Afghanistan and priority areas of capability will not be compromised.”

Squadron Leader Neil Hope, community relations officer at RAF Shawbury, said: “RAF Shawbury is likely to be affected by the recent defence cuts, as all stations will be.

“Although some re-defining of current helicopter courses will take place, we are in the early stages of planning as to how this will affect our current output.

“The unit will, however, continue to be the foremost military helicopter training in the UK and is expected to continue to train helicopter pilots, crewmen and all air traffic-based students for the next 25 years.”

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson today said he could not comment as he was unaware of the reports.

Councillor Jill Manley, chairman of Shawbury Parish Council, said: “I’ve not seen or heard these reports but I hope it’s not going to be to the detriment of the station.”

Some of those facing the axe are reportedly just a few flying hours away from earning their wings as fully qualified pilots.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, a former head of the RAF, warned cutting a quarter of the RAF’s trainee pilots the Government may be left with “a shortage of people”.

And Commander John Muxworthy, chairman of the UK National Defence Association, said: “Cutting these pilots is going to weaken our capabilities. This is a step too far.”