Red Arrows salute America at 250 with spectacular New York flypast

The UK’s famed Royal Air Force Red Arrows joined one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in US history on July 4, flying over New York Harbour as part of America’s 250th anniversary commemorations.

The flypast formed part of the International Aerial Review during the Sail4th 250 celebrations, which brought together tall ships, naval vessels and military aircraft from around the world to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

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

The Red Arrows’ trademark red, white and blue smoke trailed behind the Hawk jets as they flew over the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan. 

The appearance was the centrepiece of the RAF aerobatic team’s month-long US deployment, known as Operation Eagle Hawk, marking the first Red Arrows tour of North America since 2019. The tour was organised at the invitation of the US military and forms part of wider UK Armed Forces participation in the America250 celebrations. 

Symbol of the UK-US defence partnership

When announcing the deployment in May, Red Arrows Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson, noted the signifiance of the team’s participation in the celebrations, highlighting the Royal Air Force’s long history of operating alongside US armed forces on exercises and military operations. 

“I hope the Red Arrows’ trademark combination of close formation flying, speed and world-class precision will excite and inspire the hundreds of thousands of people attending these shows,” Jackson said.

Fly with the Red Arrows above New York and the Hudson River on July 4 – spot the Queen Mary 2 liner among the ships below. #RedArrows | #RAF | #NewYork | #July4 pic.twitter.com/0OAuOouYQX

— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) July 4, 2026

Officer Commanding the Red Arrows Wing Commander Sasha Nash said the team was “greatly looking forward” to visiting the US and described the tour 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.”

Defence Minister Lord Coaker said, “The defence relationship between our nations is built on unparalleled trust, professionalism and shared purpose. British and American forces have served together with distinction for generations, and our alliance remains vital to the security of our countries and our allies around the world.”

Alongside the Red Arrows, Royal Navy ships and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines are also taking part in commemorative events across the United States. 

Hundreds of aircraft in the skies

The New York flypast was part of a massive international aerial review featuring approximately 200 military aircraft. Alongside the Red Arrows were US Air Force bombers including the B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress, the US Navy Blue Angels and France’s Patrouille de France. 

The aerial display accompanied a parade of around 80 ships, including more than 45 tall ships and dozens of naval vessels sailing past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River. 

Operation Eagle Hawk continues

Following the Independence Day flypast, the Red Arrows continue their US tour with appearances at:

• FourLeaf Air Show, Jones Beach, New York (July 5-6)
• Great State of Maine Air Show (July 11-12)
• Thunder Over Michigan (July 17-19)
• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin (July 24-26)

The deployment includes displays in New York, Maryland, Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin, delighting hundreds of thousands of spectators. 

A smaller formation for 2026

For most displays during the 2026 season, the Red Arrows are flying with seven Hawk T1 aircraft rather than the traditional nine as the RAF manages its ageing fleet ahead of a future aircraft replacement. 

However, nine-aircraft formations are still used for selected ceremonial flypasts, including the King’s Birthday Flypast and the America250 celebrations.