Keir Starmer Blocks RAF Red Arrows' Russian Jet Replacement

The UK's Red Arrows aerobatic team is facing potential replacement of its iconic British-built Hawk jets with Russian-designed M-346 aircraft, sparking widespread outrage among MPs and military officials. With the closure of the Yorkshire factory that produced the Hawks in 2020, the RAF is exploring options, but UK alternatives are years away, prompting concerns over reliance on Russian technology. Defence Secretary James Cartlidge and former military leaders have condemned the move, emphasizing that it undermines the Red Arrows' role in showcasing British industry and values. Critics argue that such a decision sends the wrong message, especially given the UK's support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. The Red Arrows have a long history of flying British-made planes since their inception in 1954, and the potential shift to Russian jets is viewed as a betrayal of that legacy. Alternatives being considered include a revamped BAE Hawk and a US Boeing trainer, but the M-346 remains a leading contender despite its controversial origins.