The government’s newly published Defence Investment Plan has formally confirmed long-anticipated plans to retire the Royal Air Force’s ageing Hawk fleet, with a new Jet Training System set to take over both frontline fast-jet training and the Red Arrows’ display duties. The Plan states that new jets for “a modernised fast-jet training system” will also allow the Red Arrows to replace their current Hawk aircraft, describing the move as one that will “inspire young generations for decades to come.” Rather than a standalone order for the aerobatic team, the programme is being run as a single combined procurement covering both…
