Belgian Red Devils Display Team Pauses Activities Amid Aircraft Replacement Search
The Belgian Air & Space Component confirmed that its renowned Red Devils display team has paused its flying activities following an announcement on the Belgian Ministry of Defence website. This decision comes as the team seeks a replacement for the ageing SIAI-Marchetti SF260, with uncertainty lingering after their appearance at the 2024 International Sanicole Airshow about whether they would continue into the 2025 display season.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Red Devils have long been a symbol of precision and pride, representing the skill and heritage of the Belgian Air Force. The pause marks a significant moment for the team, prompting a look back at their illustrious history and a glance forward to what lies ahead as they prepare for a new chapter.
Red Devils / Sanicole International Airshow 2024
The Red Devils’ story began in 1957, when a group of pilots took to the skies in four Hawker Hunter F6 fighters to form a demonstration team. Just two years later, in 1959, the team expanded to nine aircraft and, for a brief period, showcased their skills in an impressive sixteen-ship formation. Officially adopting the "Red Devils" name in 1960, they established a tradition of aerobatic excellence with their striking red-painted aircraft. By 1965, the team transitioned to the Fouga CM170 Magister, a nimble jet that elevated their performances with tighter maneuvers and the introduction of a tricolor smoke system, painting the sky with red, yellow, and black trails that became their signature across Europe.
For over a decade, the Red Devils thrilled crowds at airshows both at home and abroad, often flying six Fouga Magisters in harmony during the 1970s. Their international reputation grew, but the team disbanded in 1977, leaving the Belgian Air Force without an official display team for decades. Even so, the air arm stayed active on the European circuit with solo displays and smaller formations, keeping the spirit of aerial showmanship alive.
A new era dawned in 2008 when pilots from the 5th Squadron at Beauvechain formed a display team using four SIAI-Marchetti SF260 trainers. Initially, these aircraft sported the standard bright yellow training scheme, but in 2011, to mark the 65th anniversary of the Belgian Air & Space Component, the team was reborn as the Red Devils. Their SF260s were repainted in a bold red livery, echoing the iconic look of their Hawker Hunter and Fouga Magister predecessors. Since then, they’ve been a fixture at major events, from flypasts in Belgium to international appearances like the 2010 Jersey International Air Display, serving as proud ambassadors of Belgian aviation.
Their most recent performance, at the International Sanicole Airshow in September 2024, drew nearly 40,000 spectators to Bourg-Léopold, showcasing the precision flying that has defined the team. Yet, with the SF260s nearing the end of their service life, the Belgian Air Force has opted to pause the Red Devils’ activities. The focus now shifts to finding a modern basic training aircraft to replace the Marchettis, a decision that will shape both the team’s future and the broader training capabilities of the Air & Space Component.
Several contenders are under consideration for this role, including the Pilatus PC-7 Mk X, Grob 120TP, Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, and Diamond Dart 550. Each offers advanced features that could enhance the Red Devils’ displays while meeting the demands of pilot training. The choice is a critical one, balancing performance with practicality, and enthusiasts are eager to see which aircraft will next wear the team’s iconic red.
Reflecting on this transition, the Belgian Air Force shared an official statement: “Since 1957, the Red Devils have amazed young and old with their aerial acrobatics and tricolor smoke trails. After their restart in 2011, they continued to impress with their SF260 Marchetti aircraft. They are taking a temporary pause today, but their story lives on. While waiting for a replacement for the Marchetti, and in order to prioritize pilot training, the Red Devils are preparing to take a break. The official display team of the Belgian Air and Space Component will continue to inspire aviation enthusiasts. There will be no shortage of aerial displays in the coming months…”
True to that promise, the Air & Space Component plans to keep the public engaged despite the Red Devils’ hiatus. Upcoming events include Search and Rescue demonstrations featuring NH90 Caiman helicopters, tours of the massive A400M Atlas transport aircraft, and open days at Beauvechain on May 7 and Coxyde on July 2. The National Day celebrations at Parc du Cinquantenaire on July 21 will also feature aerial displays, followed by the next Sanicole Airshow on September 13 and 14. These occasions will ensure that Belgium’s skies remain alive with military aviation, even as the Red Devils take a well-earned break.
The Red Devils’ pause is not an end, but a moment of transition. Their legacy—spanning decades of breathtaking performances and a deep connection with aviation fans—remains strong. As the Belgian Air Force evaluates its options and prepares to equip the team with new wings, enthusiasts can anticipate their return, ready to once again captivate audiences with the skill and flair that have made the Red Devils a beloved name in the world of aerobatics.
