The UK government has announced a £360 million investment to develop a new British Jet Trainer System, which will provide replacement aircraft for the Red Arrows.
The aging Hawk T1 fleet, in service since 1979, is expected to be retired by around 2030.
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The funding is part of a broader £15 billion increase in military spending outlined in the government's Defence Investment Plan (DIP).
The initiative aims to recapitalize the jet training system, ensuring sovereign and international training capabilities with significant UK workshare.
Red Arrows and Training Challenges
The Red Arrows recently reduced their display formation from nine to seven jets to extend the lifespan of the remaining Hawk T1 aircraft.
Meanwhile, the newer Hawk T2 fleet at RAF Valley has faced engine reliability issues, limiting aircraft availability.
A formal competition will determine the replacement aircraft. Potential contenders include the Boeing and Saab T-7A Red Hawk, the Leonardo M-346, and the Korean T-50.
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Former Red Arrows pilot Andy Wyatt welcomed the announcement, stating it provides clarity on the long-awaited procurement process.
He emphasized the importance of supporting British engineering and protecting skilled jobs.
"The aircraft carrying the famous red, white and blue smoke for decades to come should be a symbol of the very best that Britain can design, build and support," Wyatt said.
The wider defence plan also allocates £1.1 billion to upgrade Typhoon fighters at RAF Coningsby and invests in drone technology, while retiring the Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft early.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis told the House of Commons that financing the strategy required "tough choices" across government departments.
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Political opposition figures criticized the scale and timing of the defence allocation. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge described it as "too little, too late."
