New season means new pilot for the RAF's Typhoon Display Team: Find out who

Members of the public have been treated to some thrilling performances from the RAF's Typhoon Display Team – and this year the fast jet will be flown by Flight Lieutenant Tom Nation.

Flt Lt Nation, who takes over from Squadron Leader Nathan Shawyer, joined the RAF in 2015 where he completed his Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell.

He then went on to Elementary Flying Training with 16 Sqn at RAF Wittering, returning to the Grob Tutor.

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A career that kept on soaring

Flt Lt Nation was streamed fast jet, continuing to his Basic Fast Jet Training course on the Tucano T1 at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

He then went on to complete Advanced Flying Training and the Tactics and Weapons course at RAF Valley on the Hawk T2 with 25 Squadron and 4 Squadron, respectively.

He arrived on 29 Squadron to complete his operational conversion onto the Typhoon in early 2021.

Having been chosen to serve with 6 Squadron – the "Flying Can Openers" – based at RAF Lossiemouth, he flew on operations in the Middle East, Nato Air Policing in Eastern Europe and deployed to the Falkland Islands, Australia and Germany.

Highlights of a high flyer

A highlight of his time with 6 Squadron was taking part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations forming part of the "70" formation in the royal flypast.

Flt Lt Nation was posted to 29 Squadron in September 2024 to begin his instructional tour, with his role as an instructor allowing him to teach the next generation of Typhoon pilots how to fly and fight in the warplane.

The RAF said he was "incredibly honoured" to have been selected as the 2026 display pilot, having shadowed his friend and predecessor Sqn Ldr Shawyer for the 2025 season.

It's all about Typhoon teamwork

While Flt Lt Nation is the pilot who'll be displaying the aircraft, he cannot do his job without the backing of the other members of the Typhoon Display Team.

This year's team from 29 Squadron will comprise a specialist from every aircraft trade along with support and management teams to assist both the pilot and the specialist trades.

They said: "The team look forward to the unique challenges that a display season brings and the opportunity to showcase the Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft to the general public.

"With the future of the Royal Air Force firmly in our sight we look forward to showcasing the mind-blowing display of speed, power and agility by Flt Lt Nation and his Typhoon aircraft."