UK's Red Arrows visit Montenegro to mark 20 years of independence

The United Kingdom and Montenegro further confirmed their strong partnership through a visit by the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, which performed an aerial display during an official visit at the “Knjaz Danilo Petrović Njegoš” military airport in Podgorica.

The visit was organized ahead of the celebration of 20 years of Montenegro’s independence and represents a visible expression of the close relations between the two countries, which continue to develop and strengthen through cooperation in security, defense, and international affairs, CE Report informs via the Montenegrin government website.

Relations between the United Kingdom and Montenegro span nearly 150 years, while in the past two decades since independence cooperation has reached its highest level so far, based on shared values, trust, and alliance.

Montenegrin Defense Minister Dragan Krapović stressed that the renewed visit of the Royal Air Force aerobatic team carries special significance due to the message it conveys: “a message of continuity of partnership, mutual respect, and readiness to jointly build a safer future.”

Krapović emphasized that events such as today’s serve as a reminder of how important it is to invest in people, knowledge, and the interoperability of armed forces.

“Your presence in Montenegro is a strong symbol of friendship and alliance between our states, cooperation between our armed forces, and a shared commitment to security, stability, and mutual respect.”

The British Ambassador to Montenegro, Dawn McKen, said she was pleased “to be back at the military airport as the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, is visiting Montenegro. The team is very grateful to return after the warm welcome last September, and especially pleased to be here ahead of the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence in May.”

“The United Kingdom has strong bilateral relations with Montenegro, including in the field of security and defense, and we value that greatly. Through NATO we continue to work together, and this cooperation reflects our shared values and commitment to peace,” the ambassador said.

The Red Arrows, founded in 1965, are one of the world’s most recognizable aerobatic teams and represent the public face of the Royal Air Force, as well as a symbol of professionalism, precision, and excellence.

During the visit to Montenegro, a meeting with students was also organized, along with an activity within the “Women in Security Sector” initiative, further highlighting commitment to shared values and future cooperation.

The visit once again confirms that the United Kingdom and Montenegro are close allies and partners, and represents a strong message of support and congratulations on the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence.

Photo Montenegrin government website