The RAF Red Arrows are in the air today at Thunder Over Michigan Air Show in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Their next stop is locked in: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where they’ll headline the mid-week lineup July 24–26, just four days after the world’s largest fly-in convention opens its gates.
Seven Hawk T1 jets are flying for Operation Eagle Hawk America 250, a six-event U.S. tour celebrating 250 years of American independence. (The team’s down to seven aircraft from their traditional nine-jet formation due to spare availability in these final years of the airframe.) Thunder Over Michigan runs through July 19 at Willow Run Airport, with gates opening at 3 p.m. daily and flying around 5 p.m.
“They came all the way over to the United States just performing at these significant events in America this year in honor of America 250,” said Jordan Hanhilammi, Thunder Over Michigan’s marketing lead. “They haven’t been here since 2019, and so this is one of only a handful of shows that they’re performing at, and it’s going to be really, really cool.”
The AirVenture Debut — A Historic First
Here’s what makes Oshkosh stand out: it will be the Red Arrows’ first-ever appearance at EAA AirVenture. In their 62nd display season, they’ve performed nearly 5,000 displays across 57 countries. Wisconsin’s legendary fly-in, somehow, never made it onto their roster—until now.
They’ll fly during the afternoon air show window on July 24, 25, and 26 at Wittman Regional Airport. Afternoon shows start at 2:15 p.m. Central Time Monday through Saturday. Arriving three days into the seven-day event positions them as a mid-week anchor—drawing the crowds that typically dip between opening weekend and the final Saturday rush.
Rick Larsen, EAA Vice President of Communities & Member Programs, called it a dream long overdue: “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, so they can be added to the legendary flight teams that have flown at Oshkosh.”
What to Expect — The Display
The signature routine runs 20–25 minutes. Red, white, and blue smoke trails stream from wingtips separated by mere feet. Hawk T1s closing at nearly 800 mph on opposing passes produce the roar that defines their shows—the sound hits you before the sight.
These jets represent the end of an era. All remaining Hawk T1s in RAF service will retire by the end of the 2029 display season. The 2025 tour marks one of the last chances for North American audiences to see the type in active military display before it’s gone for good.
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding the RAF 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 excellence at significant events marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies and international counterparts.”
What’s Next
After Oshkosh, the Red Arrows’ American schedule wraps. Planning a trip to either Thunder Over Michigan (today through July 19) or EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 20–26)? Check the official show websites for tickets and performance times. International deployments can shift schedules.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest airshow spectacle updates delivered to your inbox.