Red Arrows Wrap Thunder Over Michigan—RAF Demo Team Heads to Oshkosh for Final North American Operation Eagle Hawk Stop

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows wrapped up their Thunder Over Michigan performance yesterday, concluding a triumphant three-day stand at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan (July 17–19). Now they’re heading to their final and most prestigious North American stop: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24–26—a landmark moment, since this marks the Red Arrows’ first-ever appearance at the world’s largest air show.

Operation Eagle Hawk has been drawing record crowds. The month-long America 250 tour—celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence—kicked off June 27 and has made stops across five states. Thunder Over Michigan’s “Stars, Stripes, and 250 Years” theme gave spectators a rare look at RAF precision flying, alongside the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team, the Jack Aces P-51 formation team, and a diverse warbird lineup. The Michigan Flight Museum received the proceeds.

“They haven’t been here since 2019, and this is one of only five shows they’re performing at in America this year,” said Jordan Hanhilammi of the Thunder Over Michigan marketing team. “It’s really, really cool that they made the trip over.”

Oshkosh — The Main Event

EAA AirVenture’s 73rd annual fly-in convention opens Monday, July 20. The Red Arrows headline Friday through Sunday, July 24–26, during afternoon air shows at Wittman Regional Airport. Daily air shows start at 2:15 p.m. CT (Monday–Saturday) and 1:00 p.m. CT (Sunday), with evening programming featuring illuminated aerobatics and fireworks.

Rick Larsen, EAA Vice President of Communities and Member Programs, underscored what this means: “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.”

Spectators should know about revised crowd line procedures. An expanded aerobatic box—similar to 2024’s Snowbirds setup—will move the crowd line west approximately 120 feet from its normal position, stretching the entire flightline length from Ultralights through Warbirds. Crowd line access restrictions begin at 1:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon Sunday.

Seven Hawks, One Historic Leader

The Red Arrows will fly their seven-aircraft display routine at both Michigan and Wisconsin. They downsized from nine to seven jets in 2025 to conserve dwindling Hawk T1 spares and flight hours—though the full nine-ship formation was expected to appear during July 4 commemorations in New York City. The Hawk T1, powered by Rolls-Royce Adour turbojets, is approaching retirement; the entire fleet stands down in March 2030.

Leading the deployment is Wing Commander Sasha Nash. She made history in January 2026—the first woman to command the Red Arrows in the team’s history since it began flying displays in 1965. “The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States,” Nash said in an official statement. “The tour is a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British at significant events marking the 250th anniversary.”

This year’s routine includes aerobatic maneuvers unseen in three decades. The revived “Cascade”—a high-energy loop with coordinated fan-out—hasn’t been flown since 1997. The seven-aircraft format keeps signature diamond and echelon formations while emphasizing dynamic, close-proximity flying that has defined RAFAT since 1965.

What’s Next

Operation Eagle Hawk wraps after Oshkosh. The Red Arrows will have completed five displays across five U.S. states in one month—among the most ambitious overseas deployments in the team’s recent history. Tickets for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 are available at eaa.org.

Sources

• RAF Red Arrows Official
• EAA AirVenture Official Performers
• AvWeb – Red Arrows U.S. Schedule Confirmation
• Thunder Over Michigan Air Show Official
• RAF Air Command Press Releases – Operation Eagle Hawk