Startling images of the iconic Red Arrows in a new formation have been revealed for the first time - the RAF said the squadron will now usually operate with seven aircraft15:50, 31 May 2026The Red Arrows have been seen for the first time in a history-breaking new formation.‌The world-famous squadron said this month it would be using fewer aircraft in most of its displays. The new pictures show seven of ‘The Reds’ in formation, down from the squadron’s traditional nine, in flight at the English Riviera Airshow in Torquay, Devon‌The reason behind the change is to preserve the ageing fleet of BAE Systems Hawk T1s used by the expert pilots in their daring manoeuvres. Sky News reported that the Red Arrows was rotating the use of its remaining engines as the jets age.‌Teams of nine Red Arrows and the famous ‘Diamond Nine’ formation have been seen in British skies and around the world since an expansion in 1966. They will still fly in their nine aircraft formation for The King’s Birthday Flypast and the 4th of July 250-year anniversary commemorations in the US this year.In 2021, the then-Conservative Government extended the out-of-service date for the Red Arrows Hawk T1 aircraft, which have performed nearly 4,000 displays worldwide, to 2030.‌Hawk T1 aircraft require substantial maintenance, with spare parts and critical components, particularly engines, becoming less readily available over time.An RAF spokesperson said: “The Red Arrows are the pride of the nation, known globally for their world-class precision, speed, and teamwork.“The Red Arrows will fly in a nine-aircraft formation for HM The King’s Birthday Flypast and the 4th of July 250 Commemorations in the USA this year.‌“For other displays, they will operate with seven aircraft, continuing to deliver high-quality, engaging displays at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield.“This will support the sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet and prepare the team for a transition to a future aircraft type.”‌The Red Arrows regularly flew seven aircraft in the 1960s and display seasons comprising seven aircraft were also flown in 2012 and 2022.The display team will be seen at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield from May to October this year.Article continues belowEarlier this month, an aircraft manufacturer that was vying to build the next generation of Red Arrows went into administration.Aeralis Ltd said the move was in response to financial problems because of continued delays to the UK Defence Investment Plan, as well as geopolitics impacting its funding.