BREAKING - Will Russian Jets REPLACE Iconic Red Arrows?

The team's Hawk T1s are set to be retired by 2030, while the newer Hawk T2s, which are crucial for pilot training, have been plagued by engine issues.

These are expected to be replaced by 2040, though in November, Chief Air Marshal Sir Rich Knighton expressed a desire to replace the Hawk T2s "as soon as we can."

Bristol-based AERALIS is currently the most well-positioned UK company to take over, although they have yet to produce a prototype.

Other potential alternatives include an upgraded BAE Hawk, a US-made Boeing trainer, or the Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle.

However, the Government has confirmed it is also considering the £19million Aermacchi M-346 jet, developed by Russia and Italy.

There are photos of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Russian version of the jet (the Yak-130), and the Kremlin has sold the fighter version to their ally Iran.

Ex-RAF fast jet instructor Tim Davies likened buying a Russian jet to treason, telling The Sun: “To replace this aircraft with anything that isn't British would be a significant mistake, it would tell the world that the UK has lost it, that we can no longer design and build great training aircraft.”

“To buy anything else, especially the Italian M-346 which is based on the Russian Yak-130 would be bordering on being treasonous.” - GB News

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