Red Arrows appoint first female leader to command the team

The Red Arrows have named Wing Commander Sasha Nash as Officer Commanding, the first woman to lead the RAF aerobatic team. She succeeds Wing Commander Adam Collins and will oversee the 150‑strong unit as training begins for the new display season.

Wing Commander Sasha Nash has been appointed Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows, becoming the first woman to lead the Royal Air Force aerobatic team. She joined the RAF in 2005 and is an experienced fast‑jet pilot. Nash will take charge of a 150‑strong unit and oversee all aspects of the display team's work as they prepare for the coming season. The appointment follows a period of scrutiny for the unit after earlier reports and investigations. Key details: - Wing Commander Sasha Nash is the new Officer Commanding and the first woman to hold the post. - Nash joined the Royal Air Force in 2005 and has a background as a fast‑jet pilot. - She will lead and oversee the 150‑person Red Arrows display team. - She succeeds Wing Commander Adam Collins, who served as commander since early 2023. - The unit faced criticism in recent years; a commander was removed in November 2022 amid an investigation, and a 2023 report described problems within the team. - Training for the new season is already under way, with first public displays usually staged in late May or early June. Summary: The appointment marks a historic leadership change for the Red Arrows and places Nash at the head of operational and representational duties for the team. The unit is preparing for the upcoming display season, and training is the immediate next step as the team readies for public events.