Seen and taken Thursday 20 August 2026 when a ‘low level’ air display was given to RAF Air Cadets (event by invitation only) congregating at RAF Syerston, for the annual Air and Space camp at the base. Low cloud and intermittent rain were prevalent all day long. The pictures were taken from the comfort and shelter of the backyard . . .
Éclat is the motto of the RAF Aerobatic Team, and yes, they still exude ‘Excellence’ but there is a pressing issue which needs a speedy solution. The Hawk T1, used by the Red Arrows since 1979, is fast reaching its end of service date. What to replace it with is the big question. The Hawk is no longer produced in the UK.
The Red Arrows’ Hawks are to retire at the end of the 2029 display season. Airshows and events where The Reds participate, are now mostly flown with only 7 instead of the normal 9 aircraft. This is to prolong airframe life to the maximum, resulting in the rotation of available display aircraft, from the pool of 11.
The decision-makers are considering options from the United States, Italy, South Korea and Turkey. The British Ministry of Defense released a Request for Information in August 2026, with responses due in September 2026.
• BAE Systems/Boeing T-7A Red Hawk - probably the most obvious candidate from a UK/US perspective.
• Leonardo M-346 Master
• KAI/Lockheed Martin T-50/TF-50
• Turkish Aerospace Hürjet

