RAF Waddington was delighted to welcome the Irish Air Corps' renowned Silver Swallows aerobatic display team as part of Friends and Families Day 2026.
Their participation provided visitors with a fantastic opportunity to experience one of Europe's most respected military display teams and further strengthened the close relationship between the Royal Air Force and the Irish Air Corps.
Visitors were also treated to a special flypast featuring the Silver Swallows and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, providing a memorable highlight of the day's flying programme and showcasing the strong bonds between the two air arms.
The Silver Swallows are one of the Irish Air Corps' most recognisable ambassadors, showcasing the professionalism, precision and flying excellence of their pilots at airshows and events across Europe. Ahead of their appearance at RAF Waddington, the team shared an insight into their history and the important role they play within Irish military aviation.
The Irish Air Corps: Flying Training School and the Story of the Silver Swallows
Irish military aviation began in 1922 with the purchase of the Air Corps' first aircraft, a Martinsyde Type A Mark II. Air Corps Headquarters was established in June of the same year at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, which remains the home of the Irish Air Corps today. What began as a small operation with 14 pilots and 13 aircraft soon expanded, leading to the establishment of the pilot cadet scheme in 1926, which continues to develop military aviators today.
The introduction of the cadet scheme led to the creation of the Flying Training School (FTS). The school's role is to provide both ground school instruction and initial flying training for cadets and junior officers, helping to establish the highest standards of airmanship from the very beginning of their careers.
What makes the Flying Training School particularly unique is that its instructors also comprise the Silver Swallows display team. Alongside delivering flying training on the PC-9M aircraft, instructors regularly undertake operational duties and perform as part of the aerobatic team at airshows throughout the year. One day they may be teaching student pilots basic flying skills, while the next they could be conducting operational flying tasks or displaying before thousands of spectators.
The origins of the Silver Swallows date back to 1981, when a four-ship formation of Fouga CM.170 Magisters performed at the Air Spectacular over Casement Aerodrome. Initially focused on formation flypasts, the team quickly began developing formation aerobatics, conducting the Irish Air Corps' first formation loop later that year.
Their displays evolved throughout the 1980s, and in 1987 the team officially became known as the Silver Swallows. The name was inspired by the distinctive V-shaped tail of the Fouga Magister, which resembles the shape of swallows in flight. Over the following decade, the team's reputation grew internationally, culminating in victory at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 1997, where they were awarded the prestigious Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy for the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant.
Since then, the Silver Swallows have continued to perform at airshows both in Ireland and internationally, demonstrating the exceptional skill, discipline and teamwork of Irish Air Corps pilots.
Today, the Irish Air Corps is undergoing a significant period of modernisation as it transitions towards becoming the Irish Air Force. Fleet renewal programmes have already introduced new Dassault Falcon 6X, C295 and PC-12 aircraft, while the arrival of H145M helicopters will further expand capability in the coming years.
RAF Waddington was proud to host the Silver Swallows as part of Friends and Families Day 2026, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the history, heritage and future of the Irish Air Corps. The event's flying programme was further enhanced by a special joint flypast with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, providing a memorable spectacle for those in attendance. The Silver Swallows' participation highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Royal Air Force and the Irish Air Corps, while showcasing the professionalism, skill and dedication that continue to define military aviation across both nations.
