Wing Commander Sasha Nash has been appointed as Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows, making her the first woman to lead the RAF aerobatic team in its history.

Nash succeeds Wing Commander Adam Collins, who led the team since early 2023, and she praised his dedication while he passes on command with best wishes and confidence in her leadership.

Nash will command about 150 RAF and civilian personnel at RAF Waddington and oversee all operational aspects of the Red Arrows, succeeding Collins after a three-year tour.

She is an experienced fast-jet pilot who previously flew the Tornado GR4 on the frontline and in international exercises.

Nash is a former Tornado pilot with Afghanistan deployment experience, and she has prior involvement with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and also played lacrosse for England at junior and senior levels.

Nash paid tribute to her predecessor Collins, who expressed confidence that she will carry on the team’s tradition of precision, excellence, and teamwork.

The leadership transition is presented in the context of the Red Arrows’ ongoing efforts to embody excellence and teamwork after past leadership changes.

The article notes past controversies, including a 2022 leadership removal and a 2023 report describing a hostile environment within the Red Arrows, contextualizing the importance of leadership reform.

The piece references a 2023 controversy over predatory behavior within the team, described as widespread and normalised, and notes ongoing efforts to move forward with inclusion and respect.

Nash emphasizes representing the UK and connecting with audiences at airshows, with training underway for the new season and public appearances expected from late May/early June.

She describes the role as a career opportunity of a lifetime and is eager to maintain the Red Arrows’ reputation for excellence, precision, and teamwork.

Nash has long been inspired by airshows since childhood and pursued aviation through Sixth Form scholarships and a university bursary to join the RAF, with a goal to inspire future generations from diverse backgrounds.