The Royal Air Force's iconic aerobatics team, the Red Arrows, will reduce the number of aircraft used in most of their displays to preserve their ageing fleet of Hawk T1 jets.

Pilots will fly in a nine-aircraft formation for King Charles III's birthday flypast in June and the US's 250th independence anniversary in July.For other events this year, the team will operate with seven aircraft.The Hawk T1s, in service since 1980, are scheduled for retirement in 2030, with spare parts increasingly scarce.The RAF has stated that this adjustment will support sustainable fleet management and prepare the team for a transition to a future aircraft type.The Red Arrows are used to demonstrate the RAF's capabilities and aid recruitment, though they do not participate in combat operations.Last year, Defence Secretary John Healey reassured that there is no threat to the team's future.Maintaining the fleet costs approximately £27.7 million annually.

Additionally, a British company, Aeralis, which was developing a replacement jet, has gone into administration due to financial pressures and delays in defence investment.The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the fast jet trainer programme is ongoing, with no final procurement decisions made yet.Other UK firms such as BAE Systems and Leonardo are being considered for the replacement jets.

Despite the reduction in aircraft, the Red Arrows will continue to deliver high-quality displays across the UK, Europe, and beyond, with at least 40 events planned for this year.