TIRANA, March 18 – Eleven hawk jets from the British Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, performed a flypast over Tirana last weekend in their first formal visit to Albania. The flypast, watched by thousands of people, was performed as part of the Red Arrows annual winter training, providing an important opportunity to further develop bilateral military ties in the framework of NATO. Squadron Leader, “Monty” Montenegro said he was impressed with the beauty of Albania from the air and the warm welcome in Tirana, and looked forward to perhaps being able to visit in future.
Stephen Hickling, the British embassy Charge d’Affaires emphasized the very good bilateral cooperation on defence and security between United Kingdom and Albania.
Defence Minister Kodheli spoke of the UK and Albania facing future challenges as confident NATO partners. UK Defence Attachà©, Lt Col Richard Parry noted the wide ranging opportunities for Albanian cadets to study and train in the foremost UK military colleges.
Prior to the flypast, the Albanian Air Forces displayed some of its most modern equipment including a Cougar and EC-145 helicopter, the British embassy said.
