The Red Arrows
made their Zhuhai
Air Show debut,
helping to promote
exports and spread
the word about UK
technology (PHOTO:
SAC ADAM FLETCHER/
© CROWN COPYRIGHT)21 ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS AIR POWER 2017 5921 ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPSA Hawk T1 jet of the Red Arrows, pictured in transit
over the desert (PHOTO: © CROWN COPYRIGHT)Ba Yi (August 1st) aerobatic demonstration team – and
exchange knowledge of display flying and training.
Just days later, during a visit to the Air Force
Academy at Dundigal near Hyderabad, the Red Arrows
flew members of the Indian display team, Surya
Kiran, which also uses the Hawk fast-jet. Indian pilots
flew in the back seats of the Red Arrows’ aircraft as
passengers during a practice display at the airfield.
The Red Arrows have now visited more than a
quarter of the world, having performed in 57 countries
since their first season in 1965. Secretary of State for
Defence Sir Michael Fallon commented: “This historic
Red Arrows tour has highlighted Britain’s ability to
project ‘soft power’ across the world. The RAF has flown
the flag across Asia and the Middle East and shown
how Britain is stepping up internationally. Along with
our RAF Typhoons flying side by side with international
partners, this tour has underlined not only Britain’s
defensive strength, but also our export potential.”
At the end of the 20,000-mile tour, Wing
Commander Martin Higgins, Officer Commanding of
the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said, “In addition to
performing aerobatic displays at Zhuhai, members of
the team visited mega cities including Beijing, Shanghai
and Guangzhou to carry out ground engagements.
The events focused on the importance of science,
technology, engineering and maths and saw the Red
Arrows deliver talks, meet with students and deliver
presentations to business leaders – many from the
aerospace and engineering sectors. Aviation is a truly
global language and it is our hope that we will have
inspired the next generation of engineers, scientists
and aviators through this high-profile deployment.”