The Red Arrows — one of Britain’s proudest military traditions — are now battling just to stay airborne.
In a situation that’s sounding the alarm across Whitehall, the legendary RAF aerobatic team is reportedly running out of jets, forced to cannibalise old aircraft just to keep the show on the road.
At the start of the year, the team had access to 26 Hawk T1 aircraft. Today? That number is down to just 17, with another four stuck in deep maintenance and if things don’t change, insiders warn the fleet could shrink to just six planes within three years.
That’s not even enough to perform their iconic ‘diamond nine’ formation, the signature display that dazzles crowds across the UK and around the world.
“No Two Ways About It, They’re Running Out of Planes”
Faced with a dwindling supply of spare parts and an ageing fleet, Red Arrows engineers have reportedly been stripping retired jets to keep others flying.
“Planes can only fly so many shows before they need new parts,” a source told The Sun.
“So either they get new planes, or they have to cancel shows.”
The issue? These aircraft, the Hawk T1s, in service since 1974, have endured decades of punishing G-forces, which shortens their lifespan compared to other RAF flypast aircraft. And since the factory that made their parts shut down in 2020, every flying season becomes a logistical gamble.
Despite growing concerns, the Ministry of Defence has yet to issue an official comment.
Shows in Jeopardy, And a Russian Twist?
With the Red Arrows regularly performing at major national events, including King Charles III’s coronation, the potential for cancelled displays is raising serious questions about the future of Britain’s most famous flying team.
In April, it emerged that the RAF was considering a replacement fleet, and not just any aircraft, but the M-346, a Russian-designed jet that has stunned MPs and military leaders alike.
“Outrageous,” said Shadow Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois, slamming the move as a betrayal of everything the Red Arrows stand for.
“They’re an iconic example of British aviation achievement. When the Hawk retires, we need a firm British replacement, not one endorsed by Putin.”
Defence officials claim the shift is only under consideration, but the backlash has been fierce. Critics say switching to Russian-linked aircraft makes a mockery of the Red Arrows’ role in showcasing British aerospace and innovation.
Even Tory Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge joined the chorus:
“Their red, white and blue vapour trails represent the Union Jack, not the Russian tricolour. Taxpayers would think it extraordinary.”
And former Chief Air Marshal Sir Mike Graydon didn’t mince words:
“This would be an extraordinary decision. There would be a strong reaction from the public.”
Hawk T1s Flying Into Retirement
The current Red Arrows fleet, some aircraft nearly 50 years old, is expected to remain in service only until 2030. Their replacement, the Hawk T2, used to train RAF pilots, is set to follow them into retirement by 2040.
RAF Chief Sir Richard Knighton has insisted the Ministry is working to find a solution “as soon as possible,” but options on the table remain limited, especially with UK manufacturing lagging behind since BAE’s Hawk factory in Yorkshire closed in 2020.
Until then, the Red Arrows’ fate may rest not in bold skywriting but in last-minute part swaps and international deals, and whether the UK is willing to stomach a Russian-made jet as the new face of British aviation pride.
