For the first time in its history, a woman will lead the Red Arrows (Image: Getty).
For the first time in its history, the Red Arrows have appointed a woman to lead the team. Wing Commander Sasha Nash has taken up the role of Officer Commanding, making her the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
An experienced fast-jet pilot who joined Royal Air Force In 2005, Wing Commander Nash will take charge of the 150-strong unit and oversee all aspects of the Red Arrows. She said leading the team is “the career opportunity of a lifetime”, adding, “If someone had told me 20 years ago that one day I would be Officer Commanding the Red Arrows, I don’t think I would have believed it.
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“This is a team of dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic people – who exemplify the ethos and values found across RAF units – and I am excited to work with them to continue to deliver the level of excellence for which the Red Arrows are globally renowned.”
Wing Commander Nash, who is originally from Surrey, succeeds Wing Commander Adam Collins, who had held the role from early 2023.
to both the Red Arrows team and the RAF,
He praised Wing Commander Collins’s “absolute dedication” to both the Red Arrows team and the RAF, as well as his “immeasurable wealth of performance knowledge and commitment to all that the Red Arrows represent.”
The pilot said, “I know we would all like to congratulate him on such a successful time with the Red Arrows and an exemplary RAF career and wish him all the best for the future.”
The new officer commanding said she knew she wanted to join the RAF from a young age, as she was “inspired” by airshows and “seeing the speed and excitement of the aircraft displayed at those events”.
Wing Commander Nash said, “That ambition stayed with me throughout school, where I won a sixth form scholarship and then a university bursary to join the RAF.
“Two decades later, I am still thoroughly enjoying everything I do and taking advantage of all the opportunities and experiences a career in the armed forces has provided.”
Leading the Red Arrows, according to Wing Commander Sasha Nash, is an exceptional career opportunity.
Wing Commander Nash, who played lacrosse for England at junior and senior levels, said, “I am incredibly proud and excited to now, as OC RAFAT, take command of a team whose aim is to represent the UK and help inspire future generations of aviators of all backgrounds.
“This is a great time to join the Red Arrows as we prepare for a busy season and plan for the future. I can’t wait to work with team members and have the opportunity to meet people at airshows and events this year.”
Training for the new season is already underway, with the first public events usually held in late May or early June.
Wing Commander Collins said, “As I hand over command to Sasha, I want to wish him all the best for the future and I am confident that under his leadership, the Red Arrows will continue to showcase our precision, excellence and teamwork around the world.”
The Red Arrows have faced criticism in the past over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
In November 2022, the then commander of the unit was removed from his post while his alleged relationship with a junior team member was investigated.
A report in 2023 found that there was a “hostile, abusive and insulting” atmosphere among the Red Arrows Display team.
