Red Arrows now flying with reduced numbers amid 'ageing engines' as armed forces laid bare

The Red Arrows are said to be operating with a reduced seven-jet formation for the majority of their performances through to at least 2030, due to ageing engines of aircraft.

The advanced age of the engines fitted to the Red Arrows' Hawk T1 aircraft are no longer manufactured, meaning the RAF Aerobatic Team must now rotate engines between planes.

Air force commanders took the decision earlier this year to scale back from the traditional nine-aircraft configuration to alleviate strain on the remaining engines, reports Sky News.

The squadron kicks off their 2026 season this weekend with a performance in Crete, where spectators will witness the smaller seven-aircraft display rather than the iconic full formation.

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The celebrated "Diamond Nine" formation will be reserved exclusively for significant national and international events this year, including His Majesty The King's birthday flypast.

The team will also deploy their complete formation across the Atlantic on July 4, participating in commemorations marking 250 years since American independence.

However, throughout the remainder of the summer season, crowds at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe and beyond will see the seven-aircraft configuration become standard practice.

This arrangement will persist until the Ministry of Defence procures a successor fleet for the ageing Hawks.

These aircraft are scheduled for retirement in 2030, following a service extension granted by the previous Conservative government in 2021.

Decisions on replacement aircraft have been hampered by ongoing delays to a major defence investment plan - expected last autumn, but remains unpublished.

One aerospace firm competing for the Red Arrows contract entered administration whilst awaiting the announcement.

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An RAF spokesman confirmed the arrangements, stating: "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."

This marks the second occasion in recent years where the squadron has operated with a diminished formation, having previously flown seven aircraft in 2022.

At the time, it followed claims of a "toxic culture" that ultimately resulted in two pilots being sacked.

Former members of the squadron said they experienced sexual harassment, sleaze and bullying in a scandal that triggered an RAF inquiry.

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