Wing Commander Sasha Nash has made history by becoming the first woman to ever lead the Royal Air Force’s world famous Red Arrows aerobatic team. The former Tornado pilot who flew combat tours in Afghanistan now commands 150 RAF and civilian personnel at the team’s headquarters with responsibility of overseeing every aspect of the flying operation. Nash described taking over from Wing Commander Adam Collins as the opportunity of a lifetime, saying she’s incredibly proud and hopes to inspire future generations of aviators from all backgrounds. Her passion for aviation began when she was just six years old after attending air shows and being captivated by the speed and excitement of aircraft displays, an ambition that stayed with her throughout her entire education and military career.
Nash, who previously worked alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and played lacrosse for England at both junior and senior levels, paid tribute to her predecessor for his dedication to the team and the RAF. Collins, whose tenure included leading the Red Arrows during their 60th anniversary season and a five week tour of Canada, expressed confidence that under Nash’s leadership the team will continue demonstrating precision, excellence, and teamwork across the globe. The appointment comes after the team faced criticism in 2023 when an inquiry found predatory behaviour towards women was widespread and normalized within the organization, though Collins said the team has moved on and his job was to make people feel included, valued, and respected. Nash’s historic leadership position represents a significant milestone for women in aviation and military leadership, proving that the little girl who decided at age six to fly fast jets for the RAF can now inspire countless others to pursue their own seemingly impossible dreams.
