The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team has welcomed a new Officer Commanding, as Wing Commander Sasha Nash begins her first full week leading the world famous Red Arrows.
Wing Commander Nash said she is “incredibly proud and excited” to take charge of the team, becoming the most senior officer within the RAF Aerobatic Team.
She assumes command of the entire 150 strong unit, including air and ground crew, succeeding Wing Commander Adam Collins after his highly successful three year tour.
As Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Nash is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Red Arrows’ work, from safety and flying displays to engineering and public engagement.
Having joined the Royal Air Force in 2005, Wing Commander Nash described her appointment as a remarkable milestone. She said: “This is a career opportunity of a lifetime – if someone had told me, 20 years ago, that one day I’d be Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows, I don’t think I would have believed it.
“This is a team of dedicated, diligent and enthusiastic people – exemplifying the ethos and values found in units right across the RAF – and I’m excited to work with them to continue to deliver the levels of excellence the Red Arrows are globally renowned for.”
Originally from Surrey, Wing Commander Nash is an experienced fast jet pilot who flew the RAF’s Tornado GR4 on the frontline and during exercises around the world. Before taking up her new post, she served as Chief of Staff in the Display Wing Headquarters, working alongside both the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.
Her passion for aviation began at an early age, sparked by visits to airshows. She said: “I was a six-year-old little girl when I decided to join the Royal Air Force and to fly fast-jets – inspired by airshows and seeing the speed and excitement of aircraft displaying at those events.
“That ambition stayed with me throughout school, where I achieved a sixth form scholarship and subsequent university bursary to join the RAF.
“Two decades later, I am still thoroughly enjoying everything I do and seizing all of the opportunities and experiences a career in the Armed Forces provides.
“I’m incredibly proud and excited to now, as OC RAFAT, be commanding a team whose aim is to represent the UK and help inspire future generations of aviators from all backgrounds.”
Looking ahead to the coming season, Wing Commander Nash added: “This is a great time to be joining the Red Arrows, as we prepare for a busy season and plan for the future. I can’t wait to work alongside team members and have the opportunity to meet people at airshows and events this year.”
Training for the new season is already underway and is led by Red 1, the pilot who commands the team in the air and designs the aerobatic display. The first public appearances of the summer are typically held in late May or early June.
Paying tribute to her predecessor, Wing Commander Nash praised Wing Commander Collins’ leadership and commitment. She said: “I’ve worked alongside Adam over the last couple of years and witnessed, firsthand, his utter dedication to both the team and the RAF as well as his immense wealth of display knowledge and commitment to all that the Red Arrows represent.
“He has earned deep respect from those in the team and the wider display community, across the UK and far beyond. I know we all would like to congratulate him on such a successful time with the Red Arrows, an exemplary RAF career and wish him the very best for the future.”
Wing Commander Collins spent seven years with the Red Arrows across two tours, first as Red 10, the safety supervisor and ground based commentator familiar to airshow crowds worldwide. He later returned as Officer Commanding for the 2023 season, leading the team through its 60th diamond anniversary in 2024 and a high profile tour to Canada the same year.
Reflecting on his time in command, he said: “Despite having had many amazing experiences flying a red jet all around the world, taking part in some incredible events and meeting everyone from young aviation enthusiasts to royalty, the highlight of my time on the team is working with the most professional, dedicated and hardworking people in my career.
“The challenges of maintaining and operating the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 are very different from that of an F-35 or an A400. Whether we are training or displaying for the public, we are routinely launching nine or more aircraft simultaneously, three or four times per day, often away from our home base.
“From pilots to engineers and the many support roles on the team, everyone goes the extra mile to ensure that as many of the public as possible are able to be entertained and inspired by both watching our displays and flypasts and engaging with our personnel on the ground.”
As he handed over command, Wing Commander Collins added: “As I hand over command to Sasha, I would like to wish her all the very best for the future and am confident that under her leadership, the Red Arrows will continue to demonstrate our recipe of precision, excellence and teamwork across the globe. Eclat.”
Image: Photographer: AS1 Lisa Coulston RAF UK MOD © Crown copyright 2026 MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
