Red Arrows strike hearts

Manama : The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, or the Red Arrows as they are popularly called, thrilled Bahrainis as they performed a flypast in the Kingdom yesterday.

If you have failed to catch hold of yesterday’s breathtaking manoeuvres, don’t worry. The Red Arrows will fly once again today at 11 am, this time alongside the Royal Bahraini Air Force. 

The spectacular mixed formation will include nine Red Arrows Hawk T1 fast-jets and Hawk 129 from Bahrain. The flypast will celebrate the close links between the UK and Bahrain.

RAF Wing Commander Martin Higgins said his team is delighted to fly alongside the Royal Bahraini Air Force team, adding that it will be an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas.

“We hope the people of Bahrain enjoy the Red Arrows’ precision flying and demonstration of the best of British in the air and on the ground,” he added.

The name Red Arrows was chosen to combine the appeal and expertise of two earlier teams, the Black Arrows and the Red Pelicans. The team was founded in 1965 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and is currently based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. Since its formation, the team has performed more than 4,500 displays in 57 countries.

This year is the Squadron’s 52nd season. They are known for their dare devil acrobatics and synchronised flying.

The Red Arrows is currently taking part in a two-month tour, aiming to promote “the best of
British.” The programme includes visits to 12 countries, including the Red Arrows’ first display in China.