Gripen E and Fiat G.91R Headline Latest RIAT 2025 Update
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, with organizers unveiling a lineup that promises to captivate aviation enthusiasts from across the globe. The latest update has sent waves of excitement through the airshow community, spotlighting two rare and remarkable aircraft set to grace the skies above RAF Fairford next summer.
For months, anticipation has been building, tinged with whispers of doubt about this year’s show. Now, with the announcement of the SAAB JAS-39E Gripen and the extraordinarily rare Italian FIAT G.91R joining the flying display, RIAT has emphatically reaffirmed its position as the world’s premier airshow, delivering a spectacle that blends cutting-edge technology with cherished aviation heritage.
FIAT G.91R / Italian Air Force's 100th Anniversary Airshow 2023
This year’s edition of RIAT faced its share of skepticism earlier in the planning stages. Critics pointed to a perceived lack of variety, with some grumbling that the show was leaning too heavily on helicopters and missing the rare, loud, and exotic fast jets that have long defined its appeal. There were even wild rumors swirling about a possible cancellation—speculation that the organizers quickly and firmly dismissed. With this latest reveal, RIAT has silenced the naysayers, proving once again why it remains the gold standard for aviation showcases worldwide. The inclusion of the Gripen E and FIAT G.91R, alongside a host of other exciting additions, underscores the event’s commitment to delivering something truly special.
Leading the charge is the SAAB JAS-39E Gripen, a sleek and formidable multi-role fighter hailing from Sweden. What sets this display apart is its status as the only civilian fast jet solo performance at RIAT 2025, flown by SAAB’s own manufacturer demonstration team. This isn’t the Gripen’s first rodeo at RIAT—back in 2023, its breathtaking display earned the prestigious Paul Bowen Trophy for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration, a testament to both the aircraft’s agility and the skill of its pilot. Powered by the General Electric F414 engine, the Gripen E boasts advanced avionics, including the cutting-edge Raven AESA radar, and a redesigned airframe that enhances its range and payload capacity. Its ability to take off and land on short, unprepared runways—sometimes even roads—makes it a standout in versatility, a quality that has caught the eye of air forces worldwide. Sweden and Brazil have co-funded its development, with Brazil assembling most of its own fleet locally and even commissioning the two-seat Gripen F variant for training and specialised missions. Recently, Thailand and Colombia have also jumped on board, selecting the Gripen E as a cost-effective yet highly capable addition to their arsenals. At RIAT 2025, attendees can expect a dynamic performance across all three days of the show, supported by a SAAB 2000 that will be operating behind the scenes.
Equally compelling is the announcement of the FIAT G.91R, a true gem of aviation history and a rare sight in the skies today. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force’s renowned aerobatic team, and to celebrate, the world’s only airworthy FIAT G.91 will take flight at RIAT. While it won’t perform a full aerobatic routine, the aircraft is slated to fly on both Saturday and Sunday, offering a poignant tribute to the past, present, and future of the Frecce Tricolori. Born from the Cold War-era NBMR-1 NATO competition, the G.91 was designed as a lightweight strike fighter, powered by the Bristol Siddeley Orpheus turbojet. It first took to the skies in 1956 and went on to serve with distinction in the Italian, German, and Portuguese air forces, with over 750 units produced. The Italian Air Force received its initial batch in 1958, and by the mid-1960s, several were converted into the G.91PAN variant specifically for the Frecce Tricolori, showcasing the aircraft’s agility in aerobatic displays. The particular G Automobili91R appearing at RIAT 2025 is a marvel of preservation—restored to flying condition for the Italian Air Force’s centenary celebrations in 2023, it now wears the iconic markings of the Frecce Tricolori. Its presence at RIAT is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for enthusiasts to see a piece of history in action.
Beyond these headline acts, RIAT 2025 is bolstering its static displays with an impressive array of aircraft. Among them are a pair of Aermacchi MB-326 jets—one an MB-326E and the other an MB-326K—offered up by the same owner as the FIAT G.91. This jet trainer and light attack aircraft, designed by Ermanno Bazzocchi, was a runaway success, with over 800 built between 1961 and 1975. It served 15 nations, including South Africa, where it was known as the Impala, and even set world records for altitude and endurance during its time with the Italian Air Force. Today, the MB-326 continues to train test pilots at the National Test Pilot School in California, but at RIAT, these two examples will offer a grounded look at its storied legacy.
The static lineup also welcomes a modern marvel: the Dash 8 "Fireswift" Advanced Aerial Firefighting Platform from Metrea, making its public debut. Positioned near the center of the showground, this innovative aircraft highlights the intersection of aviation and emergency response, showcasing technology designed to combat wildfires from above. Other additions include a privately owned IAR-823 in Romanian Air Force colors, a de Havilland Canada Twin Otter demonstration aircraft, and a trio of support aircraft—an Italian Avanti, a Finnish C-295, and a Spanish C-295—that will be buzzing in and out of RAF Fairford during the event, though they may not linger over the weekend. A pair of King Airs, one from Flight Precision Ltd and another from Metrea, will tie into the show’s "Eyes in the Skies" theme, adding further depth to the lineup.
Not everything has gone according to plan, however. The organisers recently confirmed the withdrawal of two search-and-rescue helicopters—the Bristow S-92 and the Historic Helicopters Wessex—from the roster. While disappointing, these cancellations pale in comparison to the excitement generated by the Gripen E and FIAT G.91R, ensuring that RIAT 2025 retains its must-see status.
As the event draws nearer, the buzz surrounding RIAT 2025 continues to grow. The Gripen E brings a taste of modern aerial prowess, its sleek lines and roaring engine a tribute to Sweden’s engineering ingenuity. Meanwhile, the FIAT G.91R offers a window into the past, its restored frame a labour of love that honours Italy’s aviation heritage. Together, they anchor a show that seamlessly weaves together the latest innovations and the timeless classics of flight. Despite the early doubts and whispers, RIAT has once again proven its mettle, crafting an experience that will thrill seasoned plane-spotters and casual visitors alike. When the engines roar to life next summer, the skies over Fairford will tell a story of resilience, rarity, and sheer spectacle—one that solidifies RIAT’s place at the pinnacle of the airshow world.
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