The Red Arrows are led by some of the RAF’s most experienced fast-jet pilots. Below is the current team for 2025:
- Red 1: Sqn Ldr Jon Bond – Team Leader
- Red 2: Flt Lt Rob Thomas
- Red 3: Flt Lt Andrew McEwen
- Red 4: Sqn Ldr Chris McCann
- Red 5: Flt Lt David Simmonds
- Red 6: Flt Lt James Turner
- Red 7: Flt Lt Ollie Suckling
- Red 8: Flt Lt Matt Brighty
- Red 9: Flt Lt Patrick Kershaw
- Red 10: Sqn Ldr Graeme Muscat – Supervisor & Commentator
What Do Their Roles Mean?
Each pilot plays a critical role in the nine-ship formation:
- Red 1: Leads the team in the air and is responsible for choreographing the display.
- Red 2–4: Fly on the left of the formation.
- Red 5–7: Fly on the right of the formation.
- Red 8–9: The rear “synchro pair” performing high-speed opposition passes.
- Red 10: Remains on the ground as a safety supervisor and public commentator.
Notable Former Red Arrows Pilots
- Flt Lt Kirsty Moore – First female pilot in Red Arrows history (2010).
- Wg Cdr David Montenegro – Served as Red 1 and shaped RAF display policy.
The Circus Team
“The Circus” refers to the Red Arrows’ ground engineering crew who fly with the team during the display season, providing technical support for each pilot and jet on tour.
Circus 1 – Flt Lt Greg Harley
Lead engineer overseeing aircraft safety. Joined RAF in 2017 with a background in aeronautical engineering.
Circus 2 – Cpl Dale Smith
Avionics specialist supporting Red 2. RAF member since 2016 with E3-D Sentry experience.
Circus 3 – AS1 Tech Joe Burnett
Mechanical technician, part of 2024’s Maple Hawk tour. Expert in Typhoon operations.
Circus 4 – Cpl Daniel Wilson
Weapons tech, previously deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Key figure since 2022.
Circus 5 – Cpl Matthew Harris
Worked with the Chinook fleet and Red Arrows smoke system. Joined in 2023.
Circus 6 – Cpl Luke Smailes
Mechanical support for key events like the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Circus 7 – Cpl Josh Wallace
Veteran of the team, with experience on Sentinel R1 and Puma helicopters.
Circus 8 – Cpl Scott Bamford
Avionics expert from C-130J Hercules background. Key support for Gulf and Canadian displays.
Circus 9 – Sgt Colin Macdonald
Senior engineer and team mentor. Experienced with Tristar and Tornado aircraft.
Circus 10 – AS1 Iwan Lewis
Official photographer, capturing iconic images of the Red Arrows during flight and preparation.
Circus 11 – Sqn Ldr Andy King
Senior engineering officer, ensures operational readiness and logistics for the entire team.