The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), held annually at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, stands as one of the premier military airshows on the global stage, drawing countless aviation enthusiasts to witness the spectacle of cutting-edge and historic aircraft. As anticipation builds for the 2025 edition, the latest aircraft update has unveiled an extraordinary lineup that promises to elevate this celebrated event to new heights, showcasing a blend of international cooperation and aerial prowess that will captivate attendees across all three days.

This final reveal, dubbed 'Takeoff Thursday' by the RIAT team, has sparked excitement with its announcement of rare appearances and dynamic displays. From the debut of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets on static display to the return of the Rockwell B-1 Lancer bomber in the skies above Fairford, alongside a series of special flypasts by the Royal Air Force’s most advanced platforms, RIAT 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark occasion in the airshow’s storied history.

JF-17 Thunder / Radom International Airshow 2018

Kicking off the highlights is the Pakistan Air Force’s contribution, which marks a significant moment for RIAT. The JF-17 Thunder, a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft, emerges from a collaborative effort between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). First taking flight in 2003, the JF-17—known as the Thunder in Pakistan and the FC-1 Xiaolong (Fierce Dragon) in China—has evolved into a cornerstone of the Pakistan Air Force’s fast jet fleet. With a price tag touted to be half that of an F-16, this versatile fighter boasts the ability to deploy a range of modern air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, offering a cost-effective yet potent option for air forces worldwide.

Since the initial deliveries of the JF-17A variant began in 2007, the aircraft has undergone continuous refinement. To date, 112 JF-17As and 26 dual-seat JF-17Bs have joined the fleet, with the latest Block III models, designated JF-17C, incorporating advanced radar, updated avionics, and a more robust engine. The first JF-17C was delivered in 2023, with plans underway to upgrade all existing variants to this enhanced standard. Having proven its mettle in combat on multiple occasions, the JF-17 now serves as a vital asset for Pakistan and has been exported to nations like Myanmar, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan.

For RIAT 2025, the Pakistan Air Force’s 8 Squadron will present a pair of Block III JF-17Cs on static display, marking their inaugural appearance at the airshow. As the RIAT update notes, “These indigenous fighter jets have only been seen in the UK once before (back in 2010) so will be a highlight of the static display for aviation enthusiasts.” Adding to their allure, both aircraft are expected to sport special paint schemes crafted exclusively for the event, promising a visual spectacle for those exploring the static park. Supporting this deployment is an IL-78 tanker from 10 Squadron, though it will remain absent from the display lineup.

Joining the JF-17s on the ground is a C-130E Hercules from 6 Squadron, a stalwart of the Pakistan Air Force’s transport fleet. The Lockheed C-130, which first flew 71 years ago, has earned its reputation as a global workhorse, with the PAF operating around 18 examples across various roles—from troop transport to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and even improvised bombing missions. Pakistan’s history with RIAT dates back to 2006, when a specially painted C-130 honored international relief efforts following the Kashmir earthquake. This year, a single Hercules will once again take its place among the static exhibits, reinforcing the PAF’s growing presence at the airshow.

Across the Atlantic, the United States Air Force brings its own heavyweight contender to RIAT 2025—the Rockwell B-1 Lancer bomber. Conceived in the 1970s as a supersonic successor blending the B-52 Stratofortress’s payload capacity with the B-58 Hustler’s speed, the B-1 program faced cancellation in 1977 before a redesigned B-1B emerged in 1981. Trading top speed for greater fuel and weapons capacity, the B-1B has since become a linchpin of the USAF’s bomber fleet, seeing action from the 1990 Gulf War onward and frequently deploying to RAF Fairford.

Recent upgrades have kept the B-1B relevant, including the reintroduction of external pylons for long-range missiles and targeting pods, enhancing its role as a precision strike platform capable of lingering over conflict zones. At RIAT 2025, Ellsworth Air Force Base will supply a B-1B for static display, marking its return to the airshow after a seven-year hiatus. More thrilling still, a second Lancer, operating as part of the Bomber Task Force (Europe) missions, will perform flypasts on Friday and Saturday and operate from RAF Fairford. The RIAT update proudly highlights this as “the first appearance of the Lancer in the air at RIAT since 2007,” offering a rare chance to witness its sweeping wings and thunderous roar overhead, though Sunday visitors will miss this particular display due to operational constraints.

The Royal Air Force, ever a cornerstone of RIAT, is set to dazzle with an array of special flypasts under the event’s ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme. Leading the charge on Friday is the F-35B Lightning II from RAF Marham’s 207 Squadron. This fifth-generation stealth fighter, born from the multinational Joint Strike Fighter program, represents a leap forward in combat aviation with its internal weapons bays and advanced 360-degree optical systems. Despite a demanding operational tempo on Operation Highmast, the RAF has committed an F-35B for a flypast and hover demonstration, showcasing its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities—a treat for Friday attendees and a testament to the UK’s pivotal role as a Level One partner in the aircraft’s development.

Also making its mark on Friday is the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, the RAF’s newest addition and a next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform. Built on the Boeing 737 airframe and equipped with a distinctive dorsal radar array, the Wedgetail surpasses its predecessor, the E-3 Sentry, with enhanced electronic surveillance and multi-domain tracking capabilities. With three airframes currently undergoing conversion at Birmingham Airport for future basing at RAF Lossiemouth, the Wedgetail AEW1 will make its international public debut at RIAT 2025. Its Friday flypast, including a formation with the iconic Red Arrows followed by a solo pass, promises to be a standout moment, spotlighting the RAF’s investment in future-ready technology.

The Friday flying display gains further depth with the Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint from 51 Squadron at RAF Waddington. This electronic surveillance aircraft, derived from the KC-135 tanker, excels in signals intelligence—a role the squadron has honed since the Cold War. Its inclusion in the ‘Eyes in the Skies’ lineup underscores the RAF’s multifaceted aerial capabilities, offering a glimpse into the often-unseen world of intelligence gathering.

For those attending on Saturday and Sunday, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon takes center stage. Developed from the 737-800 airliner, this maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft has filled a critical gap for the RAF since the Nimrod MR.2’s retirement in 2010. With its advanced sensors and weaponry, including anti-ship missiles and torpedoes, the Poseidon MRA1 from 120 Squadron will feature in both a static display and flying performances—teaming up with the Red Arrows and executing solo flypasts—highlighting its versatility over the weekend.

The RAF’s contributions extend beyond these headline acts. On Sunday, a C-17 Globemaster III from 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton will roar through the skies in a flypast. This four-engine strategic transport, renowned for its short takeoff and landing prowess, remains a backbone of the RAF’s airlift operations. Meanwhile, an Airbus A400M will anchor the RAF Experience on static display throughout the event, offering a close-up look at this modern transport workhorse, in service since 2014.

Adding an international flavor, RIAT 2025 may host visiting aircraft from France, Switzerland, the USA, and possibly Germany during the week, ferrying VIPs to and from Fairford. The Italian Army could also make an appearance with a Dornier 228, potentially substituting for their Avanti, though it won’t join the static lineup. These fleeting visits underscore the airshow’s role as a hub of global aviation exchange.

As RIAT 2025 approaches, the final aircraft update has set the stage for an extraordinary showcase of military aviation. The Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17s and C-130E, the Rockwell B-1 Lancer’s triumphant return, and the RAF’s dazzling array of flypasts weave a narrative of innovation, power, and international collaboration. With each aircraft bringing its own legacy and promise to RAF Fairford, this year’s airshow stands poised to leave an indelible mark on all who witness it. For aviation enthusiasts and newcomers alike, RIAT 2025 beckons as a celebration of the skies not to be missed.

Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official Royal International Air Tattoo website by clicking here.

Pakistani JF-17s and Rockwell B-1 Lancer Headline Thrilling Final Aircraft Update for RIAT 2025

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