The Red Arrows could soon be flying foreign jets for the first time – because a decision to replace its current ageing aircraft must be made by Christmas. The deadline follows a review stating that the Hawk jets used by the world’s premier aerobatic display team – the pride of the RAF – must be retired by 2030. But with a British-designed trainer jet only at the concept stage, there are fears that defence chiefs may opt for a tried and tested foreign aircraft.
Since their 1964 formation, the team has used British-designed and built jets – first the Folland Gnat and then the BAE Hawk. Though the Hawk remain fit for service, RAF engineers have warned they “can’t perform miracles”, and salvaging their airframes, 46 years after they were first adapted for the Red Arrows, is a big ask. Maintenance costs have soared from £13.3million in 2020 to £27.7million last year, a 70% increase in just four years.
The Prime Minister has emphasised the need to “buy British” but only one leading contender is home-grown. UK firm Aeralis is developing an Advanced Jet Trainer, with a modular system allowing customisation for specific needs, and claims it can be operational by 2028.
But it is still in the concept stage. If approved, the project could create 4,000 jobs and represents the best value for taxpayers, being financially backed by Barzan Holdings of Qatar.
But it is facing competition from Boeing/Saab’s T-7 Red Tail, Italy’s Aermacchi M-346 Master, and South Korea’s KAI T-50 Golden Eagle. The Aermacchi M-346 has already been adopted by seven air forces and could be assembled at Leonardo’s plant in Yeovil, Somerset, also supporting UK jobs. Experts fear the temptation to opt for a proven product may be too great to resist.
Maria Eagle, Defence Procurement Minister, told the Commons: “The Strategic Defence Review recommended replacing the Hawk T1 and T2 with a cost-effective advanced jet trainer.
A programme team is being established to deliver that capability.” The MoD is committed to replacing it, but with financial constraints, senior officers suggest the Arrows team may need to be trimmed to reduce costs.
A senior Whitehall source said: “We thought there might be an announcement about BAE, Saab and Boeing working together on a Red Tail option but that did not materialise. That would have been an expensive option. And if we go for a US-built option, we’d be handing over more than 50% of the RAF to America – a sobering thought.”
One defence source added: “The Aeralis solution – UK-designed, cost-effective and potentially free to the taxpayer – must be a serious contender. It’s also a great chance to show there are alternative, perhaps better, ways to procure equipment.” A serving RAF Group Captain linked to the project said: “The Hawk is past its sell-by date. We can’t delay deciding on its replacement much longer because pilots need 12 to 18 months to adapt.”