Sasha Nash has been appointed the first female Officer Commanding of the RAF’s Red Arrows, taking over from Wing Commander Adam Collins after his three-year tour. Nash, an experienced fast-jet pilot who joined the RAF in 2005 and has flown the Tornado GR4, will lead the 150-strong formation and oversee displays, engineering, safety and engagement. Her appointment comes as the RAF implements reforms following a 2018–2022 cultural review that exposed harassment and bullying; findings published in 2023 prompted leadership changes and new measures to promote inclusion.
Historic First: Sasha Nash Appointed First Female Commander of the Red Arrows
Wing Commander Sasha Nash is the new Officer Commanding of the UK's Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, or Red Arrows. - Iwan Lewis/RAF/UK MOD
The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force's world-famous aerobatic display team, have appointed Wing Commander Sasha Nash as their first-ever female Officer Commanding. The announcement, made by the RAF on Monday, marks a historic step for the 150-strong unit responsible for high-profile displays, engineering, safety and public engagement.
As Officer Commanding, Nash replaces Wing Commander Adam Collins, who completed his three-year tour with the team. Nash will lead both air and ground crews, oversee display planning and safety, and act as the public face of the squadron at home and abroad.
About Wing Commander Sasha Nash
Nash joined the RAF in 2005 and is an experienced fast-jet pilot with frontline and international exercise experience. She has flown the Tornado GR4 on operations and training missions around the world and previously served as chief of staff at Display Wing Headquarters.
“This is a career opportunity of a lifetime — if someone had told me 20 years ago that I would one day be Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows, I don’t think I would have believed it,” Nash said. “This is a team of dedicated, diligent and enthusiastic people, 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 Berkshire in southeast England, Nash developed an early passion for aviation after attending airshows. While still at school she earned a scholarship and later a university bursary that helped launch her RAF career. She is also a former England lacrosse player and has said she is proud to command a team that aims to inspire future aviators from all backgrounds.
Wing Commander Adam Collins, left, with Wing Commander Sasha Nash during the handover of command. - Iwan Lewis/RAF/UK MOD
Leadership Handover and Reaction
Wing Commander Adam Collins formally handed over command after his three-year tour. Collins praised the team's commitment and voiced confidence that Nash will sustain the Red Arrows' tradition of precision, teamwork and excellence.
Context: Culture Review and Reforms
Nash’s appointment comes as the RAF continues to respond to a damaging cultural review. Investigations covering 2018–2022 found widespread and normalised unacceptable behaviour within the Red Arrows, including sexual harassment, bullying and an alcohol-focused culture. Reported incidents included inappropriate exposure of genitals and predatory conduct toward female service personnel.
Findings published in 2023 prompted leadership changes and a set of recommendations intended to reform the unit’s culture: enhanced training to promote inclusion, reviews of job specifications to broaden leadership candidates, clearer guidance on conduct for all staff, and renewed emphasis on safety and professionalism.
The RAF said Nash’s appointment reflects wider efforts to rebuild trust, strengthen leadership and inspire the next generation of aviators while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for everyone in the service.
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