Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiasts

Aviation Discussion => Military Aircraft (New & Old) => Topic started by: sneaky_nikon on Jun 30, 2026, 16:39

Title: Aircraft retirements announced.
Post by: sneaky_nikon on Jun 30, 2026, 16:39
Announced elsewhere as part of reports on the Defence Investment Plan. Army to retire their Wildcats (no mention of Navy/RM) and RAF to stand down the Shadow R.1. Both for replacement by unmanned platforms.

Both types which we have seen locally on training/ops detachments in the past few years.  :(
Title: Re: Aircraft retirements announced.
Post by: casper on Jun 30, 2026, 19:29
Think it also mentioned some Chinooks as well
Title: Re: Aircraft retirements announced.
Post by: sneaky_nikon on Jun 30, 2026, 19:33
Yep all HC6As, which is slightly more than half the fleet.
Title: Re: Aircraft retirements announced.
Post by: casper on Jun 30, 2026, 19:38
They'll be getting in touch with Bristow's (Helicopters) when they want something moved at this rate  ::)