Royal Air Force flyover marks the 70th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s reign
A notable formation of about 70 Royal Air Force aircraft and helicopters will participate in a ceremonial flyover over London to honor the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The event has been reported by major national outlets as a significant moment in commemorative history. The flyover is scheduled to begin at 13:00 local time, with attendance and viewing expected from the Buckingham Palace balcony as part of the public celebration, attracting spectators from across the United Kingdom and beyond. National News confirms the plan as a major milestone in royal and military commemorations.
The parade will commence with aircraft taking off from RAF Scampton and RAF Coningsby, tracing a path that will move southward toward the capital and then sweep over central London in the afternoon. This ambitious route promises a dramatic and patriotic display that showcases the breadth of the Royal Air Force’s capabilities. The collection of aircraft will illustrate a wide range of roles within the service, from early postwar heritage to modern front-line platforms, all coordinated to deliver a unified aerial tribute.
The opening segment features rotary-wing aircraft including Wildcats, Merlins, Apaches, and Chinooks. These helicopters will set the tone for the parade, demonstrating vertical takeoffs, tactical agility, and heavy-lift capabilities that have become synonymous with RAF operations. The progression into larger transport and support aircraft will highlight the logistical backbone of air power, essential for rapid response and sustained operations in diverse environments.
Following the helicopters, transport aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules will pass in a commanding line, accompanied by the Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager, which serves as a premier air-to-air refuelling platform. Their presence underscores the RAF’s global reach and the ability to project air power across long distances with efficiency and precision.
As the afternoon unfolds, trainer aircraft from the RAF will appear in the sky, including the Embraer Phenom 100 and the Texan T1. These jets and propeller-driven trainers play a crucial role in developing flight proficiency for new generations of pilots, ensuring that the service maintains its standard of excellence and safety.
The showcase continues with frontline fighters, featuring the F-35 and Typhoon aircraft. These fighters represent the pinnacle of modern air superiority, combining stealth, speed, and advanced sensor fusion to perform a wide array of missions. The display culminates with the Red Arrows, the RAF’s famed aerobatic team, maneuvering Hawk T1A aircraft in a sequence that blends precision, artistry, and national pride into a single, memorable performance.
In another important segment of the event, it was reported that French President Emmanuel Macron would participate in the commemorations and, in a gesture of friendship, present Elizabeth II with an equestrian gift. The plan involves a gray horse, reportedly from the ranks of the French Republican Guard, symbolizing international goodwill and shared history between nations. Alongside the horse, Elizabeth II is expected to receive a saddle, a bridle, and a ceremonial cavalry sword as tokens of honor. These gifts reinforce the spirit of alliance and bilateral celebration that characterizes this royal anniversary.