The Royal Air Force Red Arrows have left Greenland behind. Now they’re making their final push toward U.S. soil as Operation Eagle Hawk reaches its critical phase. Eleven Hawk T1 jets—the formation departed RAF Waddington on June 17—confirmed their Greenland arrival by June 21 after refueling in Iceland. Martin State Airport in Maryland sits just ahead, serving as their Atlantic gateway to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
They’ve covered roughly 1,750 miles so far. Another 1,750 miles remain ahead. Squadron Leader Stu Roberts, flying as Red 10, laid out the constraints in an official video: “The aircraft can only travel about 700–750 miles, depending on the weather conditions, in one go. We don’t have any air-to-air refuelling capability, so the routing needs to take us from our base at Waddington all the way around via Iceland, Greenland, Northern Canada, before we finally make it down into the US.” The team plans stops at Goose Bay, Canada, before their final descent to Maryland. They’re on schedule to arrive within days—well before their June 27–28 performance window at Sail250® Maryland & Airshow Baltimore.
Four Demo Teams, One Historic Weekend
The Red Arrows’ arrival sets the stage for something unprecedented. Four major military aerobatic teams will perform simultaneously over Baltimore Harbor for the first time ever: the British Red Arrows, France’s Patrouille de France (flying Alpha Jets with their signature blue, white, and red smoke), the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Northrop Grumman is presenting the airshow, which runs June 24–30 as part of the larger Sail250® festival—a five-city commemoration featuring tall ships and military vessels. Admission is free. Head to the Baltimore Peninsula for the best views. Martin State Airport itself opens its doors with an open house, letting aviation fans get up close with the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1s and Patrouille de France Alpha Jets on static display.
Wing Commander Sasha Nash commands the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team—and she’s the first woman to lead the Red Arrows. She described the deployment as “a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British, at significant events and occasions marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies and international counterparts.” Her words carried symbolic weight: this partnership represents NATO solidarity during an uncertain geopolitical period.
New Display Format, Nine-Ship Formation for July 4
The refreshed 22-minute display routine showcases the Red Arrows’ signature moves—dramatic loops, rolls, and formations tighter than six feet apart at speeds over 400 mph. Here’s the twist: they’ll perform with nine Hawk T1s instead of eleven during regular airshow performances. The decision protects the aging platform’s service life. All remaining RAF Hawk T1s retire in 2030.
But for major flypasts and state occasions—including the July 4 International Aerial Review over New York—all nine display jets will fly together. Organizers expect over 140–150 allied and American aircraft for what could be one of aviation’s most visually stunning national celebrations. The Blue Angels lead the charge, joined by Canada’s Snowbirds and dozens of others.
This marks the Red Arrows’ first U.S. tour since 2019. They’re heading to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 24–26)—a debut aviation enthusiasts have been requesting for years. Other stops include FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach (July 5–6), Great State of Maine Airshow (July 11–12), and Thunder Over Michigan (July 17–19).
Martin State Airport’s arrival should come within the next 48–72 hours, weather permitting. Check back for live updates as the Red Arrows touch down on American soil.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest airshow spectacle updates delivered to your inbox.