Red Arrows in Croatia on Exercise Springhawk ahead of their Diamond Season

The Red Arrows have launched into their pre-season training under Exercise Springhawk in Croatia.

The Royal Air Force's iconic display team will be in the Balkan country for two weeks perfecting their moves ahead of their special 60th Anniversary Diamond Season which starts next month.

Having spent the winter training at their base in RAF Waddington, Croatia's sunny coastal city of Zadar will be a welcome change of pace for the team.

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Exercise Springhawk is the annual overseas training for the Red Arrows which allows them to take advantage of more settled weather conditions, crucial for the team to be ready in time for national taskings, events and activities.

A Royal Air Force Globemaster C-17 transported essential equipment and personnel from RAF Waddington to Croatia so the support personnel were ready to meet the iconic red jets when they arrived.

One notable aspect of this pre-season training is the introduction of coloured trails in the team's performances, which were on full display for the first time this year.

Following Exercise Springhawk, the Red Arrows have a busy schedule ahead with 37 displays planned for the year including the the King's Birthday flypast, the Midlands Air Festival and the British Grand Prix.

UK and mainland European displays will take place throughout May, June, July, the first half of August and early October.

"The Red Arrows will perform a new, nine-aircraft show at locations across the UK this summer," explained Squadron Leader Jon Bond.

"The whole team of 140 people, both air and ground crew, are humbled by the countless individuals who have already got in touch to say how they can't wait to see this diamond display."