Lincolnshire will remain the home of the world-famous Red Arrows after the Ministry of Defence confirmed the location of their new home.
Grantham enthusiasts will still be able to see them over the town’s skies as they both praqctice and set off for southern displays.
The iconic Red Arrows are to move a short distance to RAF Waddington once their current base at RAF Scampton closes, it has been confirmed.
The Red Arrows together with the RAF Aerobatic Team are viewed as a jewel in the county’s crown, bringing tourists and creating jobs in support of the local economy.
Lincolnshire has long been considered their home , but that became under threat after the Ministry of Defence announced the historic RAF Scampton was to be decommissioned and the Red Arrows would be on the move.
Cllr Kelham Cooke, leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “Lincolnshire has a long and proud aviation heritage, so it is fantastic news that the Red Arrows are to continue to be based in the county. No matter what your age or level of interest in aviation, a Red Arrows flypast lifts spirits, brings joy, and inspires a sense of pride.
“Having such a globally renowned and recognised team on our doorstep adds to the many attractions of Lincolnshire, and can only be good news for our local economy.”
This prompted a search to find a new home – with many other RAF bases pitching how they were the best place for the famous team to be based. But after various assessments, including a safety analysis, RAF Waddington has been chosen as the best possible new home.
The MOD revealed in July 2018 that RAF Scampton would close by 2022. Three air bases – RAF Waddington, RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, and RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire – were in the running to host the Reds once they leave Scampton and MPs, including the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, had campaigned for their areas.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “As we saw during the recent VE Day celebrations, the Red Arrows have a proud and prominent place in British culture and have long demonstrated the best of what the UK Armed Forces offer with their world-renowned skills, discipline and teamwork.
“It is good news that we have an excellent base for them at RAF Waddington, and I am delighted that they will be able to continue to practice their extraordinary aerobatic talents above RAF Scampton in their home county of Lincolnshire.”
Air Vice-Marshal Warren James said: “I am delighted that we now have confirmation that the Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team – The Red Arrows – will remain in the heart of Lincolnshire.
“The Royal Air Force remains committed to the strong links it has with the county and a considerable amount of work has been carried out to secure a suitable future home location.
“The Red Arrows are a highly skilled and professional team showcasing the very best of the British precision and leadership for industry on a global scale, and inspiring next generation interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through an air and space power lens. The announcement of this move will provide much needed stability for their future endeavours.”
The Red Arrows, formed in 1964, have called Scampton home since 1983, apart from five years between 1995 and 2000 when they were stationed at RAF College Cranwell.
The closure of Scampton has been talked about for years and it did temporarily shut in the mid-90s before reopening.
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