The Royal Air Force Red Arrows took to the skies over Brunswick, Maine as part of their ambitious five-week Operation Eagle Hawk tour of North America. They’re performing alongside the US Navy Blue Angels and USAF F-35A Demo Team—a significant homecoming for a team that hasn’t displayed in New England since 2019.
The Maine show runs July 11–12 at Brunswick Executive Airport and has already locked in its spot as one of 2026’s marquee aviation events. The Blue Angels are making their first Maine appearance in five years, while the Red Arrows’ presence underscores the depth of this year’s America250 celebration. But the Red Arrows aren’t stopping here: their next stop is Thunder Over Michigan Air Show in Ypsilanti, July 17–19, where they’ll perform for the first time ever in the Detroit area.
Red Arrows — First Female Commander Leads Historic Tour
Wing Commander Sasha Nash leads the nine-aircraft team. She’s the RAF’s first female Red Arrows commanding officer—and originally from Surrey. Nash is an experienced fast-jet pilot who flew Tornado GR4s on the frontline before joining the Display Wing. Her appointment marks a watershed moment for the storied aerobatic outfit, which has performed nearly 5,000 displays across 57 countries since 1965.
“The Red Arrows are carrying out a five-week tour of the United States, called Operation Eagle Hawk, marking America 250. Since arriving in the US, we have received a huge, warm welcome and a brilliant reaction to our spectacular displays and performances,” Nash said mid-tour.
In 2026, the Red Arrows are displaying with seven Hawk T1 jets rather than their traditional nine-ship formation for standard shows—a decision made in May to manage the aircraft’s final years of service before the entire RAF Hawk fleet retires in 2030. The team still flies all nine jets for select ceremonial flypasts, including the Fourth of July flyover in New York that kicked off the tour.
Maine Show Features Five-Year Blue Angels Return, First-Time F-35 Demo
The Great State of Maine Airshow’s lineup reflects the breadth of American military aviation. Beyond the Red Arrows and Blue Angels, the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will perform—marking its maiden Maine appearance. A Heritage Flight will pair the F-35A with a P-51 Mustang to illustrate five decades of fighter evolution, while static displays include Black Hawk helicopters.
Tickets start at $65 for a one-day adult pass. Organizers are expecting sellout conditions. Gates open at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday; arriving early is strongly recommended.
Thunder Over Michigan — Red Arrows’ Detroit Debut
Three days later, the Red Arrows transition to Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti for Thunder Over Michigan. The theme this year is “Stars, Stripes, and 250 Years Strong.” The USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team will fly in special red, white, and blue livery, while civilian aerobat Melissa Burns and warbirds from Jack Aces round out the lineup. Gates open at 2 p.m., with flying commencing around 5 p.m.
“The Red Arrows are a thrilling addition to an already star-studded lineup of performers,” said Ashley Myers, Thunder Over Michigan’s airshow director. “Air shows around the world aggressively compete for the Red Arrows, and Thunder Over Michigan is honored the Royal Air Force and British government chose to perform at this year’s show.”
Operation Eagle Hawk wraps up at EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24–26—marking the Red Arrows’ first-ever appearance at aviation’s largest gathering.
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