KARACHI: The UK's Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, commonly known as the Red Arrows, is performing in an air show in Karachi today.

The event, being observed to celebrate 70 years of friendship between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, is taking place at Sea View Beach and is open to the public. 

The Red Arrows are the pride of the Royal Air Force and one of the most famous aerobatics display teams in the world.

Red Arrows official picture 

 

The foreign team consists of more than 120 personnel, including pilots, engineers and essential support staff. Together, they demonstrate the excellence and capabilities of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

They are known for their combination of close formations and precision flying as well as using coloured vapour trails leaving red, white and blue across the sky.

The Red Arrows were given their nickname as the training aircraft they use is predominantly red.

The pilots are often the most highly qualified and experienced in the RAF and last year flew in 4,800 displays in 57 countries. It is believed they are touring Pakistan after 20 years.

Red Arrows official picture 

 

The team currently flies the BAE Systems Hawk T1 jet and can fly as low as 100 feet and reach speeds of up to 600 miles per hour.

The Red Arrows are currently based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and that is where they practise their heart-stopping routines.

Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft are also participating in the air show, said a press release by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) earlier.

"The blue skies of Karachi would turn red with the presence of Royal Air Force team which is famous for its jaw-dropping formation aerobatics," said the PAF.

Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Shahid Baig Mirza, Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah are among the dignitaries present at the air show.

The Red Arrows have previously been touring the Gulf countries.