The skies above the Royal International Air Tattoo will turn red, white and green this summer.

It was confirmed yesterday that the Italian Air Force will return to delight spectators with exhilarating flying displays at RAF Fairford on July 20 and 21.

The air force’s Frecce Tricolori Display Team will be out to defend their reputation as one of the most awe-inspiring and enjoyable display teams to watch. Also known as the 'three-coloured arrows', the team – which is made up of ten two-seat fighter Aermacchi MB-339-A/PANs – is the largest aerobatic line-up in Europe.

Visitors can also look forward to three further flying displays from the Italian Air Force’s Typhoon, C-27J Spartan transporter and M-346 Jet Trainer.

The Air Tattoo's head of marketing Helen Webb said: “Our visitors love the colourful Frecce Tricolori and my personal favourite; the magnificent C-27J display is just jaw dropping!”

Also in the air, visitors can also see the last UK display from the RAF Red Arrows before they head off on their North American tour as well as a special NATO 70th anniversary flypast.

On the ground, the Air Tattoo boasts an impressive static display including the Austrian C-130K Hercules, two of the Belgian Air Force’s F-16AMs, the Hungarian Air Force’s JAS-39 Gripen and The Royal Canadian Air Force’s CP-140 Aurora and CC-139 Hercules.

Elsewhere, Starchaser Industries’ Nova 2 rocket and space technology firm Skyrora’s Black Arrow – the UK’s only rocket to successfully launch a satellite into orbit, are on display for up-close viewing in the critically-acclaimed TechnoZone®.

Other showground attractions include the Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be bought online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.