The Royal Air Force has reduced its Red Arrows aerobatic team from nine to seven aircraft to preserve the ageing fleet's engines.
The change took effect on May 29, 2026, during the team's summer tour launch at the English Riviera Airshow in Torbay.
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Chief of the Air Staff authorized the reduction to allow forward planning for engineering resources and fleet viability as the Hawk T1 jets approach retirement in March 2030.
Critical components and spare parts for the out-of-production engines have become increasingly difficult to source.
Despite the smaller lineup for standard airshows across the UK and Europe, the team will temporarily return to its signature "Diamond Nine" formation for major national events.
These include King Charles III's birthday flypast in June and the 250th anniversary of US independence in July.
"The Red Arrows are the pride of the nation, known globally for their world-class precision, speed, and teamwork," an RAF spokesperson said.
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The representative explained that the temporary scale-back helps the military manage its assets responsibly while preparing personnel for an eventual hardware upgrade.
"For other displays, they will operate with seven aircraft, continuing to deliver high-quality, engaging displays at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield," the spokesperson added.
This approach supports sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet and prepares the team for a transition to a future aircraft type.
The announcement follows the recent insolvency of Aeralis Ltd, a British aerospace manufacturer that had been competing to develop the next-generation advanced jet trainer to replace the Hawk T1.
"The fast jet trainer programme is ongoing and no final procurement decisions have been made," a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said.
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The Red Arrows have scheduled at least 40 appearances through October 2026, including the Isle of Man TT Races on June 4 and the RAF Cosford Airshow on June 14.
