The Saudi Hawk Aerobatic Team has been at Royal Air Force Akrotiri this week to take a look at how the Red Arrows operate.

Six of the Team’s pilots travelled from their base at Tabuk to spend a few days with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, watching how they prepare for the display season.

They sat in on the pilots’ briefs and de-briefs, watched practice sorties and flew in the back seats of the Red Arrows’ Hawk aircraft during some of the practice sorties.

Squadron Leader Jim Turner, a former Red Arrows Synchro Leader, is currently on detachment with the Saudi Air Force to assist their national display team.

He said: “It’s important to share knowledge and experiences and foster a good solid relationship between the two teams based on a healthy mutual respect.”

Major Abdullah Al_Ghamdi, Squadron Commander and Team Leader of the Saudi Hawk Aerobatic Team, said: “The visit has been very interesting and beneficial to me and my colleagues. The Red Arrows are inspiring to the Saudi team.”