UK faces backlash over potential purchase of Russian-linked jets
The British Red Arrows may replace their legendary aircraft with Russian M-346s, which is stirring up controversy in the UK, reports "The Sun".
The British team is considering replacing their 50-year-old BAE Hawk aircraft with the Italian Aermacchi M-346. These aircraft were initially developed in collaboration between Russia and Italy, raising concerns, particularly given the current geopolitical tensions.
The decision has encountered strong criticism from the Conservative Party. MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke, a former defence minister, described the move as "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 reasoning behind considering this decision is the closure of the factory in Yorkshire in 2020, which manufactured Hawk aircraft. Alternative solutions from the UK are still in the developmental phase. The Bristol-based company Aeralis is working on a new aircraft but has not yet unveiled a prototype.
Other potential options include an upgraded version of the BAE Hawk, Boeing's American training aircraft, or the Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is considering the Italian M-346, priced at approximately 31 million Canadian dollars.
This aircraft was originally 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 that it would be an extraordinary decision that would provoke a strong public reaction.
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.
