The Red Arrows are to tour the US this summer to mark 250 years of American independence.
More than two centuries after the US rejected British rule at the point of a musket, the team will appear at 13 events across seven states, while Royal Navy ships will also attend celebrations in New Orleans and New York.
It follows a state visit from King Charles last month, which also marked the anniversary and was seen as a way to try to ease relations with the US, the UK’s strongest and closest security ally. Relations between the two countries have come under strain since Donald Trump re-entered the White House.
The president has continually warned Britain and other European countries to increase defence spending or he would pull out of Nato. He has also railed against Labour’s North Sea policies and hit out at Keir Starmer.
Defence minister Lord Coaker said the move would demonstrate that 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,” he added.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, widely known as Red Arrows, also performed a flypast during President Trump’s state visit to the UK last year.
Now they will be making the trip across the Atlantic for a month for a series of high-profile celebrations, including taking part in a major international flypast over New York on Independence Day on 4 July, in front of a crowd of thousands.
Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson, said: “We’re honoured to accept the US military’s invitation for the Red Arrows to participate in these special July 4 events in the country’s 250th year.
“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.
“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.”
The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will also travel to the US to perform at the celebrations.
