The Royal Air Force has denied reports the iconic Red Arrows are running out of aircraft. A spokesperson was forced to speak out after claims the aerobatic team could be down to six aircraft by 2028, which would mark an end to their famous diamond nine formation.
The team flies the Hawk T1 which is expected to be retired in 2030. The aircraft entered service in the 1970s and was previously used to train RAF fast jet pilots. It was withdrawn from service in this role in 2022, however it continues to be used by the Red Arrows.
The RAF maintains it has enough Hawk T1s for Red Arrows duties as a spokesperson dismissed the reports as “false”.
They said: “The Red Arrows will continue to use the Hawk to perform displays and flypasts until their out of service date and have sufficient aircraft in the fleet to do so.
“We continue to work closely with industry partners to ensure an appropriate number of aircraft will be available.”
The Sun reports the number of working aircraft from the Red Arrows has fallen from 26 in January to 17, with engineers cannibalising old planes to ensure the best ones remain airworthy.
“There are no two ways about it — the Red Arrows are running out of planes,” a source told the newspaper which reported four of the aircraft are in ‘deep maintenance’, leaving 13 to fly.
The source added: “Planes can only fly so many shows before they need new parts.
“So either they get new planes or they have to cancel shows.”
A replacement for the Hawk has not yet been announced.
In March, Defence Minister Maria Eagle said the Government is considering its options to replace the famous aircraft.
The Red Arrows celebrated their 60th display season last year and completed a tour across Canada.
Display pilots on the team have all flown operationally for the RAF.
The team is seen as an example of Britain’s ‘soft power’, promoting national interests at home and abroad.
The updated Hawk T2 is currently used to train the UK’s next generation of fast jet pilots but has faced technical problems.
It is due to go out of service in 2040 and the RAF chief has said he would like to see it replaced as soon as possible