Blackbirds make Madrid debut at National Day parade

A new chapter has begun for Spain's Air Force with the debut of the Mirlo Formation at the National Day parade in Madrid. The formation, composed of six Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, made its Madrid appearance on Monday, flying in a Delta formation over the capital during the commemoration of those who died serving the country. The six sleek aircraft, freshly off the General Air Academy in San Javier, left striking red and yellow smoke trails in the colors of the national flag as they led the aerial parade.

The departure of the Eagles, marked by the retirement of the C-101 jets that served the Air Force for 40 years, paved the way for this new formation. Despite not being a direct continuation of the Eagles, the Mirlo Formation consists of instructors from Squadron 792, which trains future Air Force pilots, while Squadron 794 of the Eagles has been deactivated. Only two members of the Mirlo team had previously flown with the Eagle Patrol.

The Pilatus PC-21 sets itself apart from its predecessor, the C-101, by being more fuel-efficient and allowing pilots to perform maneuvers that were previously impossible, such as spins, inverted flight, and wing dips. The formation's leader, Commander Javier Cruz, expressed optimism that the team could expand to six or seven aircraft in the upcoming season, depending on Air Force plans.

The National Day parade showcased a total of 34 fighter and training aircraft, 16 transport planes, and 32 helicopters, arranged in 18 distinct formations. The aerial spectacle concluded with the Eurofighter Typhoon making its grand entrance.