The Red Arrows announce major change ahead of King’s birthday flypast

23 May 2026 • 5:46 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

The Red Arrows announce major change ahead of King’s birthday flypast

  • The Red Arrows will operate with seven aircraft for most displays until 2030, a reduction from their usual nine.
  • This change is due to the ageing engines of their Hawk T1 fleet, which faces maintenance challenges and a scarcity of critical spare parts.
  • The team will still perform in a nine-aircraft formation for significant events, including the King’s birthday flypast and the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence Day.
  • All Hawk T1 aircraft remaining in the RAF's fleet are scheduled for retirement in 2030, a date extended by the Conservative government in 2021.
  • The decision aims to ensure sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet and prepare the Red Arrows for a transition to a future aircraft type.

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