Red Arrows names first female leader in 60 years: Everything to know about Wg Cdr Sasha Nash

The Red Arrows has made a milestone step, as it has appointed its first-ever female Officer Commanding in its 60-year history.

Wing Commander Sasha Nash will take charge of the 150-strong unit and oversee all aspects of the Red Arrows.

Wg Cdr Nash, who is originally from Surrey, succeeds Wg Cdr Adam Collins, who had held the post since early 2023.

Who is Wg Cdr Sasha Nash?

Wing Commander Sasha Nash was born in Berkshire; she received her early education at Lady Eleanor Holles, Middlesex, according to the available information on the RAF portal.

She graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2006 and was selected to fly fighter jets, trained on the Tucano and Hawk T1.

After completing the Operational Conversion Unit, Nash was posted to 31 Squadron at RAF, where she has taken part in operational tours in Afghanistan and in multiple exercises worldwide.

Sasha Nash is an experienced fast-jet pilot who had joined the Royal Air Force in 2005 and now is set to take charge of the 150-strong unit and oversee all aspects of the Red Arrows.

As reported by the Independent, Wg Cdr Nash, while reflecting on the milestone achievement, said, "Leading the team is a career opportunity of a lifetime," adding, "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."

She is determined to leave a legacy for the future generations, saying she is hopeful to “inspire future generations of aviators from all backgrounds.”

What are the Red Arrows?

The Red Arrows represents the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) aerobatic team.

During displays, it’s the Red Arrows that show off their teams' speed and agility through various maneuvers and formations and are known for dropping colorful vapour as they fly in the sky.

Currently, a fleet of nine aircraft comprises the Red Arrows team, with additional aircraft for support, as reported by the BBC.

It doesn’t come randomly: to be part of the Red Arrows, a pilot needs to complete at least 1,500 hours of flight hours in the Royal Air Force.

Besides pilots, there is a support team called "Blues," comprising 120 people, including engineers and support staff, who make the smooth functioning of the Red Arrows.

The Red Arrows first flew in the sky in 1965 and since then have displayed spectacular maneuvers in air shows in over 50 countries.

The Red Arrows are training for the new season, and their first public events this year are set for June.