Watch: RAF Hawk T2 crashes and explodes near airbase in Wales

A Royal Air Force Hawk T2 training aircraft crashed near RAF Valley on Anglesey in north Wales on Wednesday after both pilots ejected from the jet shortly after takeoff. The two pilots were later treated for minor injuries.According to The Guardian, the aircraft had just taken off from RAF Valley when it appeared to develop trouble and crashed near Pencarnisiog, less than two miles from the airbase. Video footage showed the aircraft descending steeply before hitting the ground and exploding.An RAF spokesperson said, “An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey. An investigation is under way and we will not comment further at this time.”North Wales Police said, “Two pilots are being treated for what are thought to be minor injuries and at this stage there are no reports of any wider damage or injuries.” Police officers attended the scene alongside RAF personnel and other emergency services.The fire was brought under control and members of the public were asked to avoid the area while emergency services worked at the site.The RAF later announced that it had temporarily paused Hawk T1 and T2 operations as a precautionary measure while investigations into the crash continue. The Hawk T1 is also used by the Red Arrows, while Hawk T2 aircraft are used for advanced fast jet training.UK defence secretary Wes Streeting said in a post on X, “My thoughts are first and foremost with the pilots. We will provide further updates in due course.”The BAE Systems Hawk T2, also known as the Hawk 128, is a two-seat advanced jet trainer operated by the Royal Air Force. It is a transonic, fully aerobatic aircraft designed to prepare pilots for frontline fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35B.The Hawk has a modern glass cockpit, advanced avionics, datalink and synthetic radar and electronic warfare systems. These allow trainee pilots to practise combat scenarios and air-intercept missions without the aircraft carrying an actual radar system.RAF Valley in Anglesey operates the Hawk T2 through No 4 Flying Training School. The RAF had a fleet of 28 Hawk T2 aircraft at the base, which forms a key part of Britain's fast-jet pilot training pipeline.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.