Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team to Thrill Crowds at Sanicole and Leszno Airshows in 2025
The organizers of two of Europe’s most anticipated airshows have announced that the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team will take to the skies at the Sanicole Airshow in Belgium and the Antidotum Airshow Leszno in Poland in 2025. These performances will be a centerpiece of the team’s 10th anniversary celebrations, promising aviation enthusiasts an unforgettable display of skill and power.
Based at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny, near Poznań, Poland, the team is marking a decade of aerial excellence with an ambitious international tour. Flying the advanced F-16C Block 52+ aircraft, they are set to captivate audiences across multiple countries, showcasing their unique configuration and the expertise of their demo pilot, Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian.
F-16 Tiger Demo Team / Nato & Czech Air Force Days 2018
The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team, part of the 6th Fighter Squadron, has built a formidable reputation since its formation. Operating out of Krzesiny, the team flies the Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52+, a multirole fighter renowned for its agility and advanced technology. Equipped with a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine and state-of-the-art avionics, this variant stands out in 2025 as the only European F-16 display featuring Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT). Unlike the Hellenic Air Force’s Zeus team, which will use an older Block 30 jet without CFT this year, the Polish configuration enhances range and combat efficiency without sacrificing performance, thanks to the streamlined tanks mounted atop the fuselage. Known in Poland as “Jastrząb” (Falcon), the F-16 entered Polish service in the early 2000s under the “Peace Sky” program, and the Tiger Demo Team was established in 2017 to highlight the nation’s growing tactical aviation capabilities.
This year’s displays, led by Major Krakowian, promise to push the boundaries of what the F-16 can do. Spectators can expect a mix of high-energy manoeuvres and precision flying, including the crowd-pleasing slow, high-alpha passage—where the jet seems to hang in the air at an extreme angle of attack—and dramatic flare salvos that light up the sky. The team’s roots trace back to Poland’s integration into NATO’s elite circles, and they’ve become a regular at the NATO Tiger Meet, an annual gathering of top squadrons. Their performances reflect years of rigorous training and a commitment to showcasing Poland’s military aviation prowess on the global stage.
F-16 Tiger Demo Team / Malta International Airshow 2023
The Sanicole Airshow, set for September 13-14, 2025, at Vliegveld Leopoldsburg in Belgium, will be one of the team’s marquee appearances. In their official announcement, the organizers shared their enthusiasm: “The International Sanicole Airshow has a long and proud association with 31 Tiger Squadron at Kleine-Brogel, part of the NATO Tiger Association. On 13th and 14th September, we are very pleased to welcome another member of the NATO Tiger Association with one of the most exciting and dynamic demonstration teams in modern military aviation. The team will demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of the aircraft and represent the skill, discipline, and pride of the Polish Air Force: The Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team.” Sanicole’s connection to the Tiger Association adds a layer of prestige to the event, and the Polish team’s performance is expected to be a highlight, blending raw power with technical mastery.
The Sanicole lineup is already shaping up to be a feast for aviation fans. With over 30 confirmed aircraft from eight countries, the show will feature more than 17 flying displays. Among the standout participants are the Hellenic Air Force’s McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II jets, which will roar overhead in rare flypasts, offering a nostalgic nod to an earlier era of military aviation. The Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori will bring their signature precision with ten Aermacchi MB339PAN jets, while the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows will showcase nine BAE Hawk T1s in tight formation. Historic gems like the Avro Lancaster B1 and Douglas Dakota III from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will share the skies with modern machines like the Czech Air Force’s SAAB JAS-39C Gripen and the Slovenian Air Force’s Pilatus PC-9M Hudournik. From civilian aerobatic teams to military parachutists, Sanicole promises a diverse and action-packed weekend.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official Sanicole International Air Show website by clicking here.
Closer to home, the Antidotum Airshow Leszno, scheduled for June 20-21, 2025, at Leszno-Strzyżewice, will offer a different flavour of excitement with its purely dusk display format. The organizers could hardly contain their excitement in their announcement: “TIGER! TIGER! TIGER! We confirm the participation of one of the most anticipated ANTIDOTUM stars! F-16 Tiger Demo Team We can’t imagine our air show without the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team! It’s an absolute icon of Antidotum Airshow Leszno, and it is with great pride and joy that we confirm that on both days of our event the Tiger will once again perform, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the team .” They went on to thank the Polish Armed Forces, the 31st Tactical Air Base, and Major “SLAB” Krakowian’s team, noting the honor of hosting them. The dusk setting will amplify the drama, with the F-16’s flares and sleek silhouette set against the fading light.
Leszno’s lineup is equally impressive, featuring aircraft from five countries and over 16 flying displays. The Polish F-16 will share the spotlight with supersonic stars like the German Air Force’s Panavia Tornado IDS and Eurofighter Typhoon, forming what the organizers call a “great trio” of modern jets. Historic aircraft will also shine, including the Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXb and North American P-51D Mustang “Nooky Booky IV” from Flying Legends GmbH and the Flying Bulls, alongside the Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair and Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Civilian teams like the Baltic Bees Jet Team with their four Aero L-39 Albatros jets and the Hawks of Romania with five Extra 300s will add flair, while early aviation replicas from Pterodactyl Flight—such as the Sopwith Camel and Fokker Dr.I—will evoke the dawn of flight. The early afternoon/dusk/night schedule ensures a unique experience, with each performance glowing against the twilight.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official Antidotum Airshow Leszno website by clicking here.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be an unusually busy one for the Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with an expanded slate of international displays. Beyond Sanicole and Leszno, their schedule already includes several high-profile events. On June 8, they’ll perform at the RAF Cosford Air Show in the UK, followed by the 100th Anniversary of the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin on June 14-15. After Leszno, they’ll head to Spain for the Festival Aéreo de Motril on June 29, then return to Poland for the Radom International Air Show on August 30-31. With six confirmed appearances across the UK, Poland, Spain, and Belgium—and more to be added—this tour is far larger than their typical season, reflecting the milestone they’re celebrating. Aviation enthusiasts should keep an eye out for updates, as the team’s calendar is expected to grow. Check out their most up-to-date schedule by clicking here.
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