Sasha Nash
Sasha Nash | |
|---|---|
All ten planes | |
| Born | |
| Education | Lady Eleanor Holles School, University of Leicester |
| Occupation | Wing commander |
| Known for | head of the Red Arrows |
| Predecessor | Andrew Collins |
Wing Commander Sash Nash is a British pilot who lead the Royal Air Force aerobatic display team (known as the Red Arrows) from 2026.
Early life and education
Nash was born in Berkshire, England and by the age of six she developed an ambition to be a jet pilot.[1] She attended Lady Eleanor Holles School.[2] The RAF gave her a scholarship during her sixth form studies and supported her to study psychology at the University of Leicester.[1] In 2005 she joined the RAF.
Career
She completed an initial training course as an officer in 2006 and she was selected for training as a pilot of fast jets. She learned to fly both BAE Systems Hawk T1 and Embraer EMB 312 Tucanos. She then attended an Operational Conversion Unit where she learned to pilot the RAF's Panavia Tornado GR4. She was then based in Norfolk at RAF Marham where 31 Squadron operates.[2] She flew the Tornadoes in several countries including a tour in Afghanistan.[3]
In 2026 she succeeded Wing Commander Adam Collins as the commander of the Red Arrows.[4] He had overseen the squadron after accusations of the harassment of women within the RAF which he announced has finished in 2024. Nash was the first woman to hold this position.[3] As the commander of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team she leads 150 people[4] at RAF Waddington.[3]
In addition to her work with the RAF, Nash has played senior lacrosse for England.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Red Arrows appoint woman leader for the first time in its history". Maldon and Burnham Standard. 13 January 2026. Archived from the original on 13 January 2026. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Wing Commander Sasha Nash". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Red Arrows get first woman leader". BBC News. 13 January 2026. Archived from the original on 13 January 2026. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Red Arrows appoint woman leader for the first time in its history". The Herald. 13 January 2026. Retrieved 13 January 2026.