Britain · updated 1h ago · 2 min read
RAF Hawk T2 Crash Near RAF Valley: Both Pilots Eject Over Anglesey, Wales
Two RAF Hawk T2 pilots ejected before a crash near RAF Valley, Anglesey. Jet crashed and burst into flames; both pilots reported minor injuries.
15 outlets told this the same way.
11 of 12 outlets skipped it: crash videos show side flames not rear afterburn.
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Hawk crash near Anglesey
A Royal Air Force Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer crashed near RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey, North Wales, and both pilots ejected. North Wales Police said officers were responding to an incident involving an RAF training aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, and the pilots were being treated for what were thought to be minor injuries.
The RAF said, "An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey," and added, "An investigation is underway and we will not comment further at this time." The RAF said both pilots were located shortly after ejecting, and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service later said the fire at the crash site was under control and asked the public to avoid the area.
Training paused as probe
The RAF decided to temporarily pause Hawk T1 and T2 operations as a precaution while investigations were ongoing, after the crash moments after takeoff. North Wales Live quoted a witness describing an orange flame on take-off, saying, "I knew straight away that it was in trouble - right on take-off there was an orange flame and as it accelerated it was basically on fire."
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said, "My thoughts are first and foremost with the pilots," and added, "We will provide further updates in due course." BBC Security analyst Mikey Kay said the area was "perfectly situated for training pilots" and described it as part of the "low-flying system," while the Ministry of Defence said there are 20 low-flying areas.
What is at stake
The crash came as the UK Ministry of Defence looked for a successor to the Hawk, after the 2025 Strategic Defence Review called for the Hawk T1 and T2 to be replaced by a more cost-effective fast jet trainer. The Defence Investment Plan puts £360 million ($485 million) behind the program, and the ministry published a request for information for a new advanced jet trainer covering both the training fleet and the Red Arrows on August 7, 2026.
The response window closed on September 11, 2026, and the RAF said its investigation was underway and it would not comment further at this time. North Wales Police said there were no reports of any wider damage or injuries, while the RAF said the pilots were receiving medical treatment and their families were being supported.