In Pictures: Red Arrows celebrate US 250th anniversary with spectacular July 4 flypast

The UK’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, painted the skies above New York in red, white and blue on July 4 as they joined one of the biggest aviation celebrations ever staged for the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The display marked the public climax of the RAF’s Operation Eagle Hawk deployment after the team crossed the Atlantic to take part in America’s semiquincentennial celebrations. 

Flying alongside US and allied military aircraft during the International Aerial Review over New York Harbour, the Red Arrows demonstrated their prowess while honouring the enduring defence partnership between the two nations—250 years after the colonies declared their independence from Britain. 

Red, white and blue over New York

The Red Arrows’ nine Hawk T1 jets produced their trademark coloured smoke as they flew over some of America’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.

Hundreds of military aircraft and historic warbirds participated in commemorative flypasts across the United States during the Independence Day weekend. 

Preparations at “America’s Airfield”

Before taking to the skies over New York, the Red Arrows spent time at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland—known as “America’s Airfield” and home of the US Air Force’s 89th Airlift Wing, which operates Special Air Missions supporting the President, Vice President and visiting world leaders.

During the visit, RAF pilots and engineers met with personnel from the 89th Airlift Wing and 316th Wing to exchange operational expertise and coordinate mission planning, ground operations, aircraft servicing and preparations before the team departed for New York. 

Wing Commander Jon Bond, Officer Commanding the Red Arrows and Red 1, described the visit as an important milestone in the team’s US deployment, adding: “Meeting so many of the great personnel at Andrews underlined just how close the enduring relationship is between the UK and US, especially among our two nation’s militaries.”

‘Operation Eagle Hawk’ showcases UK-US partnership

Operation Eagle Hawk marks the Red Arrows first deployment to North America since 2019 and highlights the strong defence relationship between the two nations.

“The Royal Air Force has a long, proud history of working side-by-side with the Armed Forces of the United States, whether that be on operations and exercises or by joining with other allies as part of NATO,” said Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson when the operation was first announced in May. 

The month-long deployment includes appearances across the United States and Canada, combining public air displays with military engagement activities and industry events.

More breathtaking aerial displays still to come

While the New York flypast was one of the highlights of Operation Eagle Hawk, it was not the end of the deployment.

The Red Arrows will continue their North American tour with appearances including Jones Beach, the Great State of Maine Air Show, Thunder Over Michigan and, for the first time, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, before returning to the UK later this summer. 

Statue of Liberty, skyscrapers and a flotilla of ships – the Red Arrows over New York in a huge international flypast this morning, celebrating the Fourth of July with the American people on the 250th anniversary of independence.#RedArrows | #RAF | #NewYork | #America250 pic.twitter.com/sbVcj4n3bC

— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) July 4, 2026

For aviation enthusiasts, the deployment delivered a spectacular aerial display by one of the world’s most famous aerobatic teams, helping mark the historic milestone of the US’s 250th birthday.

Featured Image: RAF Red Arrows