RAF Waddington, UK – The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, famously known as the Red Arrows, has introduced two new pilots to its elite cadre for the 2025 display season. Flight Lieutenants Rob Thomas and Andrew McEwen have been selected to join the iconic team, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the skies.

The selection of these two accomplished aviators comes at a time when the Red Arrows are poised to continue their tradition of thrilling audiences worldwide with their precision flying and dynamic displays. Both pilots have already commenced their rigorous training regimen at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, where they will refine the skills necessary to execute the Red Arrows’ complex and breathtaking aerial manoeuvres.

Flight Lieutenant Rob Thomas

Flight Lieutenant Rob Thomas, originally from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, will assume the Red 2 position. His journey with the Royal Air Force began in 2006, marking the start of a distinguished career characterized by dedication and a drive for excellence. After completing fast-jet training at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and RAF Valley, Thomas was selected as a “Creamie” qualified flying instructor on the Hawk T1 at Valley, a testament to his superior flying skills.

His frontline experience includes flying the Typhoon FGR4 with 3(F) Squadron at RAF Coningsby, where he participated in multiple exercises and operations, including Quick Reaction Alert duties in the UK and the Falkland Islands. Thomas’s expertise was further honed during his tenure as an instructor at the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit and through his work with BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia, where he instructed pilots and weapon system operators on the Hawk T165.

Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas’s educational background in aeronautical engineering from Loughborough University and his extracurricular pursuits, such as playing semi-professional rugby for Leicester Lions and becoming a qualified Joint Service Ski Instructor, illustrate his multifaceted talents and commitment to personal development.

Flight Lieutenant Andrew McEwen

Flight Lieutenant Andrew McEwen, the first ex-F-35 pilot to join the Red Arrows, will take on the Red 3 position. Born in Wexham, Berkshire, McEwen’s RAF career began in 2009 and has been marked by a series of pioneering achievements. His initial training included elementary flying on the Tutor and basic fast-jet training on the Tucano in Yorkshire.

McEwen’s career took a unique turn when he completed Royal Navy Officer of the Watch training, gaining a Navigational Watchkeeping Certificate and spending a year at sea on aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and Type-45 destroyers. This maritime experience provided him with a broad perspective on military operations, complementing his advanced fast-jet training at RAF Valley on the Hawk T1.

Between 2015 and 2018, McEwen’s skills were further broadened during an exchange tour with the United States Marine Corps, where he operated the Harrier AV-8B. This role included eight months at sea with a Marine Expeditionary Unit on USS America, allowing him to participate in global operations and visit diverse locations such as Hawaii, Guam, and Israel.

Transitioning to the cutting-edge F-35B Lightning II, McEwen joined 617 Squadron – The Dambusters, where he played a key role in operations and NATO exercises worldwide, including deployments on the UK’s flagship carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. His educational background in architecture from the University of Manchester and his involvement with the Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron further highlight his diverse skill set and adaptability.

The arrival of Flt Lts Thomas and McEwen follows the departure of Red 9, Flight Lieutenant Patrick Kershaw, and Red 6, Flight Lieutenant Stuart Roberts, who have completed their tours with the team. As the Red Arrows prepare for the 2025 season, the inclusion of these two talented pilots marks a new chapter in the team’s storied history.

Their blend of experience, innovation, and enthusiasm promises to uphold the Red Arrows’ tradition of excellence, ensuring that their displays continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. With their diverse backgrounds and proven track records, Thomas and McEwen are set to contribute significantly to the Red Arrows’ legacy, showcasing the skill and precision that have made the team a symbol of British aviation prowess.