A series of spectacular displays are to be carried out by the Red Arrows in the United States this summer to mark 250 years of American independence.
The tour is part of a packed 2026 programme announced today, with dozens of performances by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team at locations across the United Kingdom and overseas.
During the United States visit, the Red Arrows will display at events in New York, Wisconsin, Maine, Maryland and Michigan in June and July.
The team has also been invited to participate in a major international flypast over New York on July 4 – Independence Day.
The Red Arrows' United States activity forms part of a wider commitment of UK Armed Forces, including visits by Royal Navy ships and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, that will mark the independence milestone.
The month-long tour by the aerobatic team will acknowledge the historic and important relationship with the UK's strongest and closest security partner.
Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson, said: “We’re honoured to accept the US military’s invitation for the Red Arrows to participate in these special Fourth of July events in the country’s 250th year.
“The Royal Air Force has a long, proud history of working side-by-side with the Armed Forces of the United States, whether that be on operations and exercises or by joining with other allies as part of NATO.”
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson
Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group
“I hope the Red Arrows’ trademark combination of close formation flying, speed and world-class precision will excite and inspire the hundreds of thousands of people attending these shows.”
The team will be displaying at many of the biggest events loved by British crowds both before and after the North American deployment.
The Red Arrows last toured the United States in 2019.
Called Operation Eagle Hawk, the Red Arrows’ 2026 visit will combine aerobatic displays at established airshows and set-piece flypasts over big occasions, with more dates to be added in due course.
There will be a busy calendar of events on the ground too, including working with young people and future aviators at sessions focussed on science, technology, engineering and maths.
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States – the tour is a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British, at significant events and occasions marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies and international counterparts.
“The tour will celebrate and underline the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and our closest security partner.”
“The power to inspire through aviation is something felt by airshow crowds on both sides of the Atlantic and we’re hoping to meet countless individuals and families at these locations, as well as during a busy programme of ground engagement that forms an important element of the tour and our season as a whole.”
Wing Commander Sasha Nash
Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team
“An enormous amount of work continues to go into the planning for the visit, by teams in the UK and US, and we’re excited and honoured to bring our signature display of red, white and blue to some of the biggest, most well-known airshows and events this summer.”
The Red Arrows are in the final phases of pre-season training, with the new aerobatic display expected to be seen by millions of people this summer.
Visit the Displays section of the team's website for a full list of displays and events.
