£360 million investment to bring new jets for Red Arrows
Ageing Hawk aircraft to be replaced as part of UK defence plan
The UK government has announced a major investment in the RAF's Red Arrows, set to replace the ageing Hawk aircraft with new jets.
Part of a broader £15 billion increase in military spending, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has committed £360 million to the development of a new "British Jet Trainer System."
This move aims to ensure the continuation and advancement of the Red Arrows' capabilities.
According to the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP), the initiative seeks to modernise the jets and includes significant funding to support the UK aerospace sector.
Last month, the Red Arrows team announced they would fly with fewer aircraft at displays to extend the lifespan of the Hawk jets, which have been in service since the 1980s.
In addition to the Red Arrows' upgrades, the DIP outlines a £1.1 billion allocation to enhance the RAF’s Typhoon fighters at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
This plan also features significant investments in drone technology.
However, the early retirement of the Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft from RAF Waddington has been announced as part of the funding strategy.