Overview

• The Red Arrows’ operational jets have dropped from 26 in January to 17 today, with four more in deep maintenance and unavailable for shows.
• Engineers are cannibalising retired Hawk T1 airframes for spare parts as ageing systems strain to support continued aerobatic displays.
• A Ministry of Defence spokesperson has rejected claims of a crisis, stating the team can perform flypasts and displays until the jets’ planned 2030 retirement.
• Internal forecasts warn the fleet could shrink to just six airworthy aircraft by 2028, jeopardising the signature diamond nine formation.
• Officials are evaluating replacements—including Britain’s Aeralis trainer and Italy-Russia’s M-346—which has prompted debate over national industry and security.