LABOUR were accused of putting the Red Arrows future at risk last night by failing to replace their ageing Hawk jets.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge slammed the government for “dithering” after The Sun revealed the display team is running out of Hawk T1s.
Their much-loved shows could end up being cancelled due to the ageing fleet[/caption]
They may be down to just six Hawk T1s by 2028[/caption]
He said: “The Sun’s revelations on Red Arrow availability show why Labour needs to stop dithering and actually get on with ordering a new RAF training jet.
He added: “They should commit to buying British so that renewal of the Red Arrows supports jobs and investment across the country.”
Top Brass admitted the Red Arrows may be forced to cancel air shows to reduce the wear and tear on their surviving aircraft.
The Hawk T1s entered service 50 years ago and the factory that made spare parts has closed.
Ground crews have been forced to cannibalise parts from old planes to keep the best ones running.
RAF sources denied industry claims the fleet could plummet to six working aircraft by 2028.
They insisted the Red Arrows could keep 11 aircraft in service until 2030 by scrounging parts from older aircraft.
But with a quarter of the fleet in maintenance at any one time, the display team would be unable to fly their trademark Diamond Nine formation.
An industry source said the RAF’s projections were “wildly optimistic”.
Labour’s Strategic Defence Review demanded RAF replace its fleet of Hawk jets as soon as possible.
A defence source close to John Healey said: “We’ve been clear that we will deliver on all the SDR recommendations, a replacement jet worthy of our iconic Reds is no different.”
The only British contender is a concept jet known as the Aeralise Fast Jet Trainer.
Critics claim Aeralis is Qatari owned and yet to make a prototype.
An RAF spokesperson said: “The Red Arrows will continue to use the Hawk to perform displays and flypasts until their out of service date and have sufficient aircraft in the fleet to do so.
“We continue to work closely with industry partners to ensure an appropriate number of aircraft will be available.”
Just 13 of the jets are currently available to fly[/caption]
The G-force in Red Arrows’ shows reduces the jets’ lifespan[/caption]
The Red Arrows fly over The Mall during the King’s Coronation[/caption]
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