The RAF Red Arrows are here. This weekend, the nine-jet formation officially launched Operation Eagle Hawk with a dramatic flyover of Washington, D.C.—including a pass over the Washington Nationals game Thursday evening, June 26—and confirmed what aviation fans have been waiting months to hear: they’re flying over New York City on July 4 as part of America’s 250th independence anniversary celebrations.
Flying BAE Systems Hawk T.1 advanced trainers, the Red Arrows arrived at Martin State Airport in Maryland on June 17 after an eight-leg Atlantic crossing via Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. It’s their first U.S. appearance since 2019, and the tour includes their long-anticipated debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh later this month.
New York July 4 — International Aerial Review
On July 4 in New York City, the Red Arrows will fly center stage during the International Aerial Review. They’ll coordinate with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Canadian Forces Snowbirds as part of the Sail4th 250 celebrations. Below them, an historic maritime parade featuring at least 30 Class A tall ships and 40 gray hull vessels will sail from the Verrazano Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge, with the parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. as part of the full Sail4th 250 Parade of Tall Ships running from 5:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The aerial display will mix fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Officials expect over 8 million visitors to New York, generating an estimated $2.85 billion in economic activity.
Seven Jets on Display — First-Time Configuration
Here’s what’s different for 2026: the Red Arrows are flying seven aircraft in their primary aerobatic displays—Reds 1 through 7—with nine jets deployed for selected flypasts and national occasions. The shift extends the service life of the aging Hawk T.1 fleet, which retires from RAF service in 2029.
The formation splits into two sections. The front five jets (Reds 1–5) make up the “Enid” section, named after children’s author Enid Blyton. Reds 6–9 form the rear section, “Hanna”—which includes the crowd-favorite Synchro Pair (Reds 6–7) known for opposition maneuvers. Red 10, flown by Squadron Leader Stuart Roberts, acts as the team’s supervisor, monitoring safety and providing public commentary.
Command & Leadership
Wing Commander Sasha Nash leads the 2026 display season. She’s the first woman to command the Red Arrows and a former Tornado pilot. “The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States,” Nash said. “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.”
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson, Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group RAF, added his perspective: “We’re honoured to accept the US military’s invitation. The Royal Air Force has a long, proud history of working side-by-side with the Armed Forces of the United States.”
Full U.S. Schedule
The Red Arrows have confirmed five air shows beyond the July 4 NYC flyover:
- June 27–28: Sail 250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore
- July 5–6: FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach, New York (with U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights)
- July 11–12: Great State of Maine Air Show, Brunswick, Maine
- July 17–19: Thunder Over Michigan, Ypsilanti, Michigan
- July 24–26: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin (first-ever appearance)
Rick Larsen, EAA Vice President of Communities and Member Programs, spoke to the significance of their arrival. “The Red Arrows have long been on the list of teams that aviation enthusiasts have wanted to see at Oshkosh. The team’s extended U.S. tour schedule fortunately allowed them to include AirVenture on their itinerary.”
This tour caps seven months of intensive winter training and stands as a major diplomatic display of U.K.-U.S. military partnership during America’s milestone year.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest airshow spectacle updates delivered to your inbox.