Royal International Air Tattoo confirms return of Red Arrows for 2023 show

The Red Arrows will be performing at one of the world's largest military air shows this year, it has been confirmed.

The iconic RAF display team will be part of the 2023 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) being held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on 14-16 July.

RIAT wrote on its website: "We're delighted to welcome back the Red Arrows for RIAT 2023.

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"Our aspiration for RIAT 2023 is to deliver an eclectic mix of aircraft on both flying and static displays, focusing on our various themes.

"The operational theme for this year's Air Tattoo is SKYTANKER23, which will highlight the vital role of air-to-air refuelling in modern military aviation.

"We aim to display the history of air-to-air refuelling from humble beginnings in 1923, evolving through the last century, to the modern aircraft which we see in service around the world today," RIAT added.

The Red Arrows are the RAF's aerobatic team, known as one of the world's premier display teams.

Flying distinctive Hawk T1 fast jets, the team is made up of pilots, engineers and essential support staff with frontline, and operational experience.

The Red Arrows were formed in 1964 when the RAF merged its display teams into one and the name was inspired by the Black Arrows and Red Pelicans display teams.