This year’s official celebrations in honour of 100 years of the Royal Air Force at RAF Fairford have been given a boost thanks to one of the UK’s closest NATO allies.

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), which had already committed to sending its popular CF-18 Demo Team to the Royal International Air Tattoo, has announced that it will be sending three additional aircraft across the Atlantic to take part.

Illustrating the RCAF’s capability, a CC-130 Hercules, a CC-177 Globemaster and a CP-140 Aurora will be on display in the airshow’s static park. The event takes place from 13 to 15 July.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “From the Battle of Britain to current missions in the Middle East, the Royal Canadian Air Force has operated side-by-side with the Royal Air Force.

“Sending four aircraft to the Air Tattoo to mark the RAF’s centenary re-affirms the strong and enduring bond that exists between them.”

Based at Greenwood, Nova Scotia, the CP-140 Aurora from 14 Wing, the largest air base on Canada’s East Coast, has been used primarily for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare since it entered service with the RCAF in the early 1980s.

Its endurance and 7,400km range make it ideal for a variety of missions, including search and rescue and disaster relief.

It also provides vital support to other government agencies in combating illegal immigration, illegal fishing, pollution and drug trafficking.

The CC-177 Globemaster III, from Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario, transports troops, cargo and oversized combat equipment from coast to coast, and around the world.

Its ability to fly long distances and land at remote airfields makes it a premier transporter for military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Since 2015 it has supported disaster relief operations in Nepal, it has transported personnel and equipment to battle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and continues to support the global coalition against terrorism.

Also arriving from Trenton will be a Lockheed Martin CC-130 Hercules, which is used for troop transport, tactical airlifts and aircrew training.

In addition to the Canadian aircraft at the event, the Swiss Hornet Display Team will be flying, as will a Swiss PC-7 Team.

Two civilian fighter planes will also be flying: a Vampire FB.52 and a Vampire T.55.

Several zones will be open at the event’s showground, giving visitors an insight into RAF life and the technology involved.

They include the The Techno Zone, which will use aviation to bring science, technology, maths and engineering to life with cutting-edge exhibits and hands-on activities to engage and inspire young minds.

At the RAF Village, visitors are invited to discover how the men and women of today’s RAF protect UK airspace.

And in the Vintage Village, visitors can take a step back in time and experiencing the 1940s through vintage aircraft, cars, and fashion, with music hall entertainers.

The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. For ticket details and a wide variety of enclosure options, visit airtattoo.com.