Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team performed a flypast over Tirana, Albania – the first time the Red Arrows have visited the country.

People watched the distinctive red Hawk aircraft as they flew over Mother Teresa Square on Friday March 18.

The Red Arrows had stopped in Albania overnight, refuelling the jets before the second-leg of a flight from their base at RAF Scampton to Greece, where the aerobatic team will conduct annual pre-season training.

The opportunity to transit via Tirana allowed the team to meet officers from the Albanian Air Force and senior officials and dignitaries.

One of the roles of the Red Arrows is defence engagement and the visit further developed relations between the UK and another NATO partner.

Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The Red Arrows were delighted to visit Albania for the first time, where we were made to feel very welcome.

“It is always an honour for the team to fly to new locations, to represent both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom and further strengthen links with partners.”

During their overnight stay in Tirana the British Embassy held a reception in honour of the Red Arrows, where the team met Minister of Defence Kodheli, Deputy Minister Koçi, and Albanian military personnel.

Stephen Hickling, British Charge d’Affaires, emphasised the very good bilateral cooperation on defence and security between the United Kingdom and Albania.

Defence Minister Kodheli spoke of the UK and Albania facing future challenges as confident NATO partners.

And UK Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Richard Parry noted the opportunities for Albanian cadets to study and train in the foremost UK military colleges, such as the Royal Navy College Dartmouth, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Royal Air Force Cranwell, and the Royal Marines Commando Centre.

For the next five weeks, the Red Arrows will operate from Tanagra, an Hellenic Air Force base, as they prepare for the 2016 season.

This annual training is known as Exercise Springhawk.

The overseas location provides the better weather which is essential to enable the team to practice consistently and polish the 2016 display, which will be seen by millions of people this summer.

It will be the Red Arrows’ 52nd display season since the first in 1965.

SOURCE RAF, Read more..