Red Arrows' potential Russian replacement sparks UK outrage
The British Red Arrows may consider replacing their legendary aircraft with the Russian M-346s, sparking controversy within the UK. "The Sun" reports this development.
The British team is contemplating replacing their 50-year-old BAE Hawk aircraft with the Italian Aermacchi M-346. These aircraft were initially developed through a collaboration between Russia and Italy, adding to the controversy, especially given current geopolitical tensions.
The decision has been met with sharp criticism from the Conservative Party. MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke, a former defense minister, called the move "outrageous." He stated, "For a country which has stood strong alongside Ukraine, it sends entirely the wrong message. It’s an insult to the thousands who have died," as quoted by "The Sun".
The rationale for considering this decision is the closure of the Yorkshire factory in 2020, which produced the Hawk aircraft. Alternative solutions from the UK are still in the early stages of development. The Bristol-based company Aeralis is working on a new aircraft but has not yet presented a prototype.
Other options include an upgraded version of the BAE Hawk, Boeing's American training aircraft, or the Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle. However, the Ministry of Defense has confirmed that it is considering the Italian M-346, which costs about 23 million US dollars.
This aircraft was initially developed as the YAK/AEM-130 following a collaboration between the Italian company Aermacchi and the Russian Yakovlev in 1996.
Russian planes in the UK? It's going to make waves
Former Air Marshal Edward Stringer emphasized that the "Red Arrows" are meant to "showcase British equipment, training, and expertise." Meanwhile, former Chief of the Air Staff Sir Mike Graydon warned: "This would be an extraordinary decision. There would be a strong reaction from the public."
"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," said British expert Tim Davies.
