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Jun 13, 2025  |  
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NextImg:Red Arrows in CRISIS as RAF jets could be slashed in half in just three years

The RAF are in crisis as the Red Arrows could drop from having 13 aircraft to just six.

It follows claims that the iconic British display team is running out of usable parts to repair its aircraft.

Reports suggest the Red Arrows could drop to half a dozen aircraft by 2028, marking the end of the renowned "diamond nine" formation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence insisted the claims are "false".

Red Arrows

The Red Arrows could drop from 13 aircraft to just six

GETTY

It is understood that the RAF is now said to be working with industry to ensure that Hawk T1 aircraft will still be available.

An RAF spokesperson 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."

A source told The Sun earlier: "Planes can only fly so many shows before they need new parts. So either they get new planes or they have to cancel shows."

The news follows a suggestion that Russian jets could replace the current Red Arrow fleet, which was formed 61 years ago.

The RAF insists the Red Arrows will appear at high-profile events.


Former Commandant of the Central Flying School, Gavin Mackay, said it was "wonderful" to fly with the Red Arrows.

Mackay told GB News: "I was a fighter pilot by trade... all the time I spent flying with the Red Arrows was one of the best experiences of my life.

"It is exciting. It is something, as a fighter pilot, you do not do every day.

"The whole experience of seeing the dedication, the hard work, the relentless self-criticism that were there in the displays was absolutely fantastic."

Red arrows VE day

The Red Arrows were formed in 1964

GETTY

The former commandant believes that the Red Arrows leave a "deep impression" on people wherever they fly.

They were notably part of the VE Day 80 celebrations with a flypast in the skies over London.

In July 2004, there was speculation about the Red Arrows' disbandment, following a defence spending review.

The Arrows were not disbanded, and their expenses were justified through their benefit to public relations.