RAF Red Arrows to tour US to mark 250 years of American independence
The RAF Red Arrows are set to tour the United States this summer to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The tour includes appearances at 13 events across seven states, alongside Royal Navy participation in New Orleans and New York. The visit follows King Charles's recent state visit and aims to reinforce UK-US relations amid recent diplomatic strains.
- ▪The Red Arrows will perform at 13 events in seven US states as part of the 250th-anniversary celebrations of American independence.
- ▪Royal Navy ships will also take part in commemorations in New Orleans and New York.
- ▪The UK-US defence relationship has faced tensions since Donald Trump returned to the White House, including his NATO spending warnings.
- ▪Defence Minister Lord Coaker emphasized the trust and shared purpose between British and American armed forces.
- ▪The Red Arrows will join a major international flypast over New York on Independence Day, 4 July.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsRAF Red Arrows to tour US to mark 250 years of American independenceRelations between the UK and the US have come under strain since Donald Trump re-entered the White House Kate Devlin Whitehall Editor Sunday 17 May 2026 11:45 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2978102","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/raf-us-trump-red-arrows-independence-b2978102.html","title":"RAF Red Arrows to tour US to mark 250 years of American independence"}}Red arrows flyover marks 80th anniversary of VJ DayYour support…
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