Red Arrows to fly with just seven aircraft for most displays because engines are so old

The Red Arrows will fly with just seven aircraft rather than nine for the majority of displays until at least 2030 because their engines are so old, Sky News understands.

The world-famous aerobatic team will perform with a full "Diamond Nine" on special occasions such as to mark the King's birthday and as part of an international flypast in the US on 4 July to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.

However, only seven jets will dazzle the crowds with their aerial stunts during the first display of the season this weekend in Crete and for much of the rest of the summer.

The engine that powers the ageing Red Arrows Hawk T1 jet is no longer in production.

It means the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team need to rotate the use of their remaining engines, which can be swapped in and out of aircraft in the same way as engines are moved in and out of Formula 1 cars.

The reduced formation will continue to be the norm until the Ministry of Defence buys a replacement Red Arrows fleet.

But this decision has been impacted by a delay in the release of a major plan for new investment in the army, navy and air force.

The defence investment plan should have been published last autumn.

It's still under wraps.

An aerospace company that had been vying for the Red Arrows contract even went into administration during the wait.

The incumbent Hawk aircraft are finally due to be retired in 2030.

The previous Conservative government had extended their out of service date in 2021.

The older the airframe and engine, the more time is required for maintenance and safety checks to ensure it remains airworthy.

Read more from Sky News:
British troops train for war in the London Underground
Mountbatten-Windsor investigated over potential sex crimes

A spokesperson for the Royal Air Force said: "The Red Arrows will fly in a nine aircraft formation for HM The King's Birthday Flypast and the 4th of July 250 Commemorations in the USA this year.

"For other displays, they will operate with a seven aircraft, continuing to deliver high‑quality engaging displays at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield.

"This will support the sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet and prepare the team for a transition to a future aircraft type."

A decision was taken by air chiefs earlier in the year to reduce the Red Arrows team to seven aircraft from nine to ease the pressure on the engines.

It is not the first time the squadron has flown with a shrunken formation.

In 2022, the Red Arrows again operated with just seven aircraft following claims of a "toxic culture" that ultimately resulted in two pilots being sacked.

Sky News published a documentary in December 2024 that featured interviews with three women and one man, all former members of the squadron, who said they experienced sexual harassment, sleaze and bullying in a scandal that triggered an RAF inquiry.

(c) Sky News 2026: Red Arrows to fly with just seven aircraft for most displays because engines are so old