THE Swiss Air Force has ensured the Red Arrows will not be the only aerobatic display team celebrating an aviation landmark at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The Swiss have announced plans to send their own team, the Patrouille Suisse, in its 50th anniversary year, along with an F-18 Hornet and Super Puma helicopter to take part in the tattoo Organisers have said that official celebrations marking the 50th display season of the Red Arrows will also include the Patrouille Suisse in order that their anniversary is also recognised.

Formed in 1964, the Swiss team flies six F-5E Tiger IIs painted in the red and white of the Swiss national flag. The pilots, who are all volunteers from frontline squadrons, are famous all over the world for performing precise formations at high speed.

This summer could be one of the last times the Patrouille Suisse perform in the UK after it was announced last year that the team would be disbanded in 2016 due to the withdrawal of the F-5 from Swiss Air Force.

Specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 11-13, are available until the end of January from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940.