“Not entirely accurate,” say Aeralis to reports that they are a shoo-in to build new jets for the Red Arrows
January 9, 2025
Posting the article on its MailOnline website on 4 January, the newspaper highlighted uncertainty over the future of the RAF’s Red Arrows aerobatic team under the headline: “Is this finally the end of the road for the Red Arrows? Iconic jets are approaching their deathbed, with NO replacements lined up.”
The newspaper concluded that: “if they do not get new aircraft, the Reds are finished.”
Reacting to the MailOnline’s article Aeralis commented that the newspaper’s statement that: “Bristol-based AERALIS is in line to win the multi-million pound deal to build new jets for the Red Arrows…” was not entirely accurate. Aeralis CEO and founder, Tristan Crawford, pointed out a problem with that statement: “It’s fantastic to be mentioned in this context, however a replacement aircraft hasn’t been requested yet, and it is this decision and commitment from Government that’s required to get the process of replacement underway, not just for the Reds, but for the UK’s future advanced jet training capability – and the opportunity to export that around the world.”
“The Red Arrows have always been about more than a demonstration of flying excellence – through the Hawk they’ve brilliantly showcased British engineering and aircraft design to a global audience. The Reds flying a new British aircraft as Hawk retires sends a clear statement about the UK’s support for high-value design and engineering. Through Aeralis, there’s a sovereign option on the table that can do the Hawk’s legacy justice, not only by being a fantastic display aircraft but also by demonstrating ground-breaking digital aircraft engineering and design for a ripe global export market – all being designed and built here in the UK.”
Aeralis stressed that no decision on the future of the Red Arrows will be made until the Strategic Defence Review is completed later this spring.
