The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, better known worldwide as the Red Arrows, will make its long-awaited debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026 as part of the event’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The famed British demonstration team will perform during the afternoon air shows July 24–26 at the 73rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, scheduled for July 20–26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The appearance is part of the Red Arrows’ extended tour of the United States in 2026, commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial while highlighting the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States.
“The Red Arrows have long been on the list of teams aviation enthusiasts have wanted to see at Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming. “The team’s extended U.S. tour schedule fortunately allowed them to include AirVenture on their itinerary, adding them to the legendary flight demonstration teams that have flown at Oshkosh. We welcome them to our event and eagerly anticipate their extraordinary aerial performances.” Now in their 62nd season, the Red Arrows are among the world’s best-known military aerobatic teams, representing the professionalism, precision, and capabilities of the Royal Air Force. In addition to serving as ambassadors for the United Kingdom both domestically and abroad, the team also plays an important role in RAF recruiting and public outreach.
“The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States,” said Wing Commander Sasha Nash, commanding officer of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. “The tour is a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British aviation at significant events marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies, and international counterparts. The tour celebrates and underlines the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and our closest security partner.” Nash added that aviation’s ability to inspire audiences transcends borders and that the team looks forward to meeting aviation enthusiasts throughout the American tour.
“An enormous amount of work continues to go into planning the visit by teams in both the UK and the U.S., and we’re excited and honored to bring our signature display of red, white, and blue to some of the world’s most well-known aviation events this summer,” he said. Founded in 1965, the Red Arrows have performed nearly 5,000 displays in 57 countries. The team flies the British-built BAE Systems Hawk T1 advanced jet trainer and is composed of pilots with operational frontline experience in aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon. Based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, England, the squadron is supported by a large team of engineers and logistics personnel, many with extensive operational backgrounds. In addition to their flying demonstrations, Red Arrows personnel are expected to participate in a variety of public appearances and ground events throughout AirVenture week. Additional details regarding those activities will be announced closer to the event. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. For more information about the RAF Red Arrows, visit www.raf.mod.uk. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure.
