The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), or the Red Arrows, will downsize from nine jets to seven jets for most displays until at least 2030 in a conscious effort to conserve spares and flight hours for their Hawk T1 aircraft.
The traditionally nine aircraft team, which has been maintained almost continuously since 1966, will shed two aircraft from most air displays in a bid to protect the ongoing life of the Hawk T1 platform. Since 2022, the Red Arrows have been the sole remaining UK operator of the Hawk T1.
Special occasions, like commemorative flypasts, will still be able to draw upon the full complement of aircraft. Those who have watched the Red Arrows’ 2026 display practice routines have suspected for some time that a reduction to seven aircraft was on the cards.
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Source theaviationist.com
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