The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced plans to acquire new jets for the Red Arrows as part of a broader £15 billion increase in military spending. The initiative includes a £360 million investment in developing a new "British Jet Trainer System," which will provide the Royal Air Force's (RAF) aerobatic team with aircraft to replace the aging Hawk jets.
The Hawk aircraft, which entered service in the 1980s, have been a staple of Red Arrows displays for decades. In a bid to extend their operational lifespan, the team recently stated it would fly with fewer aircraft at most events.
Former Red Arrows pilot Andy Wyatt welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the need for certainty regarding the Hawk aircraft's replacement. "It provides much-needed certainty that the process of replacing the Hawk aircraft is finally moving forward," Wyatt said. He added that while the chosen aircraft must meet the RAF's operational requirements, he hopes that supporting British engineering, preserving skilled jobs, and maintaining sovereign aerospace capability will also be key considerations in the selection process. Wyatt expressed a desire for the new aircraft to symbolize "the very best that Britain can design, build and support."