REVIEW: Festival Aéreo Aire 25
The Festival Aéreo Aire 25, held on 14-15 June 2025 in San Javier, Spain, stood as a monumental event in European aviation, blending historical significance with spectacular aerial displays. Now in its third edition—following the record-breaking inaugural event at San Javier in 2006, Spain’s largest airshow to date, and a second at Torrejón in 2014 for the Spanish Air Force’s 75th anniversary—AIRE 2025 was graced by King Felipe VI, underscoring its national prominence. Organised at the Academia General del Aire (AGA), the event drew massive crowds, with expectations of half a million visitors over the weekend met by a packed air base on Saturday and an even more crowded beachfront on Sunday, reflecting its widespread appeal.
This airshow was defined by standout moments: the final display of Patrulla Aguila on their Casa C-101 jets, marking the end of a 40-year legacy; the rare convergence of five European military jet aerobatic teams—Patrulla Aguila, Patrouille de France, Patrouille Suisse, Frecce Tricolori, and the Red Arrows—possibly the last such gathering given Patrouille Suisse’s looming F-5E retirement; and ultra-rare performances by the Spanish Army’s Boeing CH-47F Chinook and the Spanish Air & Space Force’s Northrop SF-5M. These highlights, set against San Javier’s storied aviation backdrop, made AIRE 2025 an unmissable celebration of heritage and modernity.
Saturday broke with the heat and haze typical of Murcia in June, bathing San Javier Air Base in a shimmering, diffused glow. The day was dedicated to static displays, offering visitors a tactile connection to aviation history and modernity, though it began with logistical challenges. Massive queues snaked around the base entrance in the morning, a testament to the event’s draw, with wait times stretching into hours under the relentless sun. By afternoon, the lines subsided, allowing smoother access for the throngs eager to explore the aircraft lined up along runway 23R.
Once past security, attendees were greeted by a patriotic flourish of Spanish flags fluttering in the breeze, framing a row of beautifully preserved, non-airworthy aircraft once flown by the Spanish Air Force. These relics, weathered yet dignified, set an evocative tone for the day, bridging the past with the present. Positioned at the threshold of runway 23R, the static display sprawled across the Academia General del Aire, showcasing an impressive array of military, civilian, and historic aircraft—a feast for aviation enthusiasts, even if the hands-on access posed challenges for photographers seeking pristine shots.
The static lineup was vast and thoughtfully organised into three zones: vintage and civilian aircraft, current military hardware, and a bustling area of food and drink stalls catering to the crowds. Most aircraft were open for interaction—visitors could touch, climb aboard, and peer inside cockpits—fostering an immersive experience that thrilled families and casual attendees. For photographers, however, this accessibility was a double-edged sword; unobstructed views were scarce as crowds milled around the exhibits, complicating efforts to capture clean, professional-grade images of the machines on show.
Disappointingly, several anticipated aircraft were absent from the static roster. The Hispano HA-220 Super Saeta, Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, and North American Aviation T-6 Texan from Fundació Parc Aeronàutic de Catalunya failed to appear, as did the Beechcraft C-45 Twin Beech and AISA I-11B from Fundación Infante de Orleans. Military absences included the French Air & Space Force’s Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet, the Italian Air Force’s Aermacchi MB-339PAN, the Royal Air Force’s BAE Systems Hawk T1, and the Spanish Navy’s McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B Harrier II, alongside Spanish Air & Space Force assets like the CASA C235MP-100, NHIndustries NH90TTH, and Sikorsky S76.
The main static display kicked off in grand style with the Spanish Air & Space Force’s Airbus A400M Atlas dominating the scene but it was the two Patrulla Aguila Casa C-101 Aviojets—one sporting a special 40th-anniversary tail design that welcomed visitors into the vintage and civilian zone, where a rich collection awaited: a Cessna C337 from Fundación Aeronáutica Antonio Quintana, four Bücker Bü 131 Jungmanns (three from Fundación Infante de Orleans, one from Fundación Aeronáutica Antonio Quintana), and two Dornier Do-27s (split between Fundació Parc Aeronàutic de Catalunya and Fundación Infante de Orleans). Cold War classics like the Canadair CL-13B (F-86E) Sabre Mk6 from Mistral Warbirds and the Hispano HA-220 Super Saeta from Asociación Apoyo Aeronáutica y Aviación Histórica stood alongside training legends—the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor and North American Aviation T-6 Texan from Fundación Infante de Orleans. Amid this historic array, Juan Velarde’s sleek Zivko Edge 540 V2 injected a modern jolt, its aerobatic pedigree a stark contrast to its vintage neighbours.
The second zone showcased the cutting edge of military aviation, with a multinational flair. The Belgian Air Component’s Lockheed Martin F-16AM Fighting Falcon gleamed beside two Portuguese Air Force Socata TB 30 Epsilons, while the Spanish Navy’s Airbus H135 P3H Nival added a maritime touch. The Spanish Air & Space Force dominated with a formidable lineup: a McDonnell Douglas EF-18A Hornet, Pilatus PC-21, CASA C212, Airbus C295M, Airbus H.135, Airbus H215M, Eurofighter Typhoon, Northrop SF-5M, Canadair CL-415, Eurocopter EC 120B Colibri, and two additional CASA C-101 Aviojets. This diverse array highlighted Spain’s military aviation breadth—from tactical airlift and firefighting to advanced fighters and trainers—while offering a rare chance to see operational aircraft like the SF-5M and CL-415 static on the ground.
Though Saturday focused on static exhibits, the sky wasn’t entirely quiet. A special ‘Leader Formation’ stole the show, uniting the lead jets of Patrulla Aguila, Patrouille de France, Patrouille Suisse, and Frecce Tricolori with the Zeus Demo Team’s F-16 and the Spanish Air Force’s Hornet and Eurofighter solo display aircraft. This fleeting formation, roaring overhead in a tight, symbolic pass, celebrated European aerobatic unity—a fitting prelude to the day’s main aerial event.
In the afternoon, the French Air & Space Force’s Patrouille de France took flight with eight Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets, performing on Saturday due to commitments in France on Sunday. Their display was, as expected, a brilliant showcase of Gallic precision, though conditions conspired against perfection. The hot, hazy air softened the jets’ outlines, and with the sun high and glaring, the aircraft were often silhouetted against the bright sky, their blue-white-red smoke trails muted by the atmosphere. Distance from the crowd line further diluted the impact, making it hard to discern the finesse of their tight formations and opposition passes. Still, the team’s signature manoeuvres—the ‘Concorde’ formation evoking the supersonic icon and the sweeping ‘Éventail’ fan—shone through, their synchrony impeccable despite the challenging backdrop. For a team synonymous with airshow excellence since 1953, this was a typically polished performance, warmly received by a crowd undeterred by the visual hurdles.
Sunday dawned hot and sunny, the main event unfolding over San Javier’s beachfront as thousands packed the sands—some staking spots as early as 5 a.m.—for a day of breathtaking flying displays. The sun’s position plagued photographers during the morning, casting harsh light and deep shadows, though conditions softened as the day wore on, enhancing visibility. Early disappointment struck with the cancellation of the Spanish Navy’s McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B Harrier II—a rare two-seat variant with a special tail that had already arrived at San Javier—and the Spanish Air & Space Force’s General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper UAV, both keenly anticipated by avgeeks. Undeterred, the program launched just after 10 a.m., igniting the sky with action.
The accompanying photos capture the airshow's highlights, drawing from both the weekend displays and the Friday rehearsals. Notably, the Patrouille Suisse and Spanish Hornet were photographed in perfect late afternoon light during their rehearsal flights, unlike their display slots on Sunday, which were hampered by haze and challenging backlighting.
The Spanish Air & Space Force’s PAPEA (Patrulla Acrobática de Paracaidismo del Ejército del Aire) opened the show with a breathtaking parachute display, leaping from a CASA C212 Aviocar into the brilliant morning sky. Trailing vibrant smoke trails and clutching an enormous Spanish flag—joined by other banners, including one celebrating Patrulla Aguila’s 40th anniversary—the team executed a series of precise freefall manoeuvres before landing expertly on the beach to thunderous applause. The C212, their trusty jump platform, concluded the performance with a low flypast, its rugged, utilitarian silhouette a familiar and reassuring sight against the coastal backdrop.
PAPEA, established in 1978, is based at the Parachute School in Alcantarilla, Murcia, just a short distance from San Javier. The team has spent decades perfecting their craft, blending military precision with artistic flair to captivate audiences across Spain. Their displays often feature complex formations, canopy relative work, and high-altitude jumps, showcasing the skill and bravery of these elite paratroopers. The CASA C212, a Spanish-designed twin-turboprop aircraft, has been their workhorse since its introduction to the Spanish Air Force in the late 1970s. With a capacity to carry up to 26 paratroopers and a rear ramp ideal for rapid deployment, the C212’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities make it perfect for operations in diverse terrains. Its unpressurized cabin and reliable performance have cemented its role not only in parachute drops but also in transport, surveillance, and maritime patrol missions, making it a versatile cornerstone of Spanish military aviation.
Next up, the Spanish Air & Space Force’s Canadair CL-415 from 43 Grupo, based at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base near Madrid, roared into action, demonstrating its unparalleled firefighting capabilities. The amphibious aircraft began with a dramatic water drop, releasing a cascade of water onto the sea below, then gracefully skimmed the surface to refill its 6,137-litre tanks in an astonishing 12 seconds using underbelly scoops—an engineering feat that left the crowd in awe. The CL-415 repeated this sequence several times, performing multiple drops and refills to showcase its efficiency in combating wildfires, before concluding with a flypast in a dirty configuration, with wheels and flaps extended, highlighting its adaptability to both water and land operations.
The Canadair CL-415, an evolution of the earlier CL-215, is a purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft introduced to Spain in the early 1990s. Operated by 43 Grupo, a unit renowned for its expertise in maritime patrol and firefighting, the aircraft has become indispensable in Spain’s battle against wildfires, particularly in the dry, fire-prone Mediterranean regions. Its twin Pratt & Whitney PW123AF engines deliver the power needed for low-altitude, high-precision water drops, while its ability to scoop water directly from bodies like lakes, rivers, or the sea—without returning to base—sets it apart. The refill process relies on two retractable probes beneath the fuselage that scoop water at speeds of around 70 knots, filling the tanks in seconds during a brief glide across the surface. Since its integration into the Spanish fleet, the CL-415 has logged countless hours on missions across Europe and North Africa, often supporting multinational efforts, and its robust design has earned it a reputation as a lifesaver in Spain’s firefighting arsenal.
The Spanish Army’s Boeing CH-47F Chinook, operated by FAMET’s (Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra) 5th Battalion at Colmenar Viejo near Madrid, followed with a display that was a rare treat for airshow enthusiasts. This heavy-lift helicopter performed a series of tactical manoeuvres and low hovers over the water, its twin rotors whipping up the air and sea spray with surprising agility for its massive size. The Chinook’s appearance as a flying participant was an unexpected delight, as Spanish Chinooks rarely take part in airshows, especially in such dynamic demonstrations, making this a standout moment of the day.
Spain’s FAMET first introduced the Chinook in 1973 with the CH-47C model, a tandem-rotor helicopter designed by Boeing for heavy-lift operations. Over the decades, the fleet has evolved, with upgrades to the CH-47D in the 1990s and, more recently, the CH-47F standard in the 2010s. The F-model, featured at AIRE, boasts advanced avionics, digital cockpit displays, and enhanced cargo-handling systems, improving its versatility for troop transport, logistics, and disaster relief missions. Capable of lifting up to 10 tons, the Chinook has served Spain in diverse roles, from deploying special forces in rugged terrain to delivering humanitarian aid during natural disasters. Its rarity at airshows stems from its primary focus on operational duties rather than public displays, so seeing it perform low-level hovers and sharp turns—showcasing the pilot’s skill in managing its powerful rotor wash—was a privilege that amplified the crowd’s appreciation.
A true highlight for avgeeks came next with the Spanish Air & Space Force’s Northrop SF-5M from Ala 23 at Talavera La Real Air Base. Expectations were modest—perhaps a few high flypasts given the aircraft’s age and rarity—but the SF-5M defied all predictions with a fast, loud, and exhilarating display. The jet roared through afterburner-lit turns, executed high-speed flypasts that shook the beachfront, and performed a dirty-configuration pass with landing gear and flaps extended, culminating in a playful wing wave that left spectators stunned. This vigorous performance was a cherished rarity, as the SF-5M nears the end of its service life, making it quite possibly its swan song at a public event.
The Northrop SF-5M is a Spanish-built variant of the F-5 Freedom Fighter, produced under license by CASA (now part of Airbus) starting in the late 1960s. Entering service in 1970, it was initially designed as a lightweight fighter and advanced trainer for the Spanish Air Force, equipping units like Ala 23, which has used it to train generations of fighter pilots. The SF-5M, modernised in the 2000s with updated avionics and cockpit systems, extended its operational life, though it remains a relic of an earlier era. Powered by two General Electric J85 engines, it can reach speeds of Mach 1.6, and its agility made it a capable light attack platform in its heyday. With retirement looming, this display—featuring afterburners and tight manoeuvres typically reserved for full-fledged solo display teams—was an unexpected and thrilling farewell, underscoring the aircraft’s enduring legacy and the skill of its pilots.
Vintage aviation took centre stage as Fundación Infante de Orleans (FIO) presented two formations, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Spain’s aeronautical past. First, three Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann biplanes flew in a tight vic formation, their elegant 1930s design a tribute to pre-WWII training heritage, though their distance from the crowd slightly diminished the impact. Next, a North American Aviation T-6 Texan led a Beechcraft T-34 Mentor in a series of graceful flypasts, a visually striking pairing that bridged decades of aviation history, though again hampered by their remoteness from the beachfront.
The Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann, a German-designed biplane, was a staple of Spanish pilot training in the 1930s and 1940s, valued for its open cockpit and agile handling. The T-6 Texan, dubbed the “pilot maker,” trained countless Allied pilots during WWII and served Spain into the 1960s, its radial engine roar a hallmark of that era. The T-34 Mentor, a post-war design introduced in the 1950s, bridged the gap to modern trainers with its sleek lines and reliable performance. FIO, based at Cuatro Vientos Airfield near Madrid—approximately 400 kilometers from San Javier—has preserved these aircraft since its founding in 1984. Dedicated to maintaining Spain’s aviation heritage, FIO’s volunteer team restores and flies a diverse collection of historic planes, often travelling significant distances to share their passion at events like AIRE. While the formations were a beautiful nod to history, their distant flight paths left some spectators yearning for a closer view of these lovingly maintained icons.
The tempo accelerated with the Hispano HA-220 Super Saeta, flown by the Asociación Apoyo Aeronáutica y Aviación Histórica, delivering a jet-powered display that was a photographer’s dream. The aircraft performed fast flypasts with plenty of topside passes, its sleek lines cutting through the sky with authority and offering ample opportunities to capture its elegance. As Spain’s last homegrown jet, evolved from the HA-200 in the 1970s, the Super Saeta’s appearance was a testament to the Asociación’s commitment to preserving this piece of aeronautical history.
Developed by Hispano Aviación, the HA-220 Super Saeta entered service in the 1970s as an advanced trainer and light attack aircraft for the Spanish Air Force. An evolution of the subsonic HA-200, it featured two Turbomeca Marboré engines, delivering a top speed of around 430 mph (690 km/h), and served until the 1980s. Its versatility allowed it to train pilots and undertake ground attack roles, marking a significant achievement in Spain’s indigenous aircraft production. The Asociación Apoyo Aeronáutica y Aviación Histórica, a relatively new organization, has taken on the challenging task of restoring and maintaining this rare aircraft, ensuring its legacy endures. Their efforts paid off at AIRE, where the Super Saeta’s dynamic display—highlighting its agility and distinctive twin-engine design—earned widespread praise and underscored the importance of preserving Spain’s aviation milestones.
Ala 12’s McDonnell Douglas EF-18A Hornet from Torrejón Air Base roared onto the scene next, delivering a solo display that was a masterclass in aggression and power. The classic A-model executed high-G turns, steep climbs, and thunderous passes that reverberated across the beach, showcasing its enduring might. Since the 1980s, the Hornet has been a cornerstone of Spain’s air defence, and this performance by Ala 12—a key fighter wing based near Madrid—served as a vivid reminder of its combat prowess.
Introduced to the Spanish Air Force in 1986, the EF-18A, a variant of the F/A-18A, has served as Spain’s primary fighter for air defence and strike missions. Powered by two General Electric F404 engines, it boasts a top speed of Mach 1.8 and exceptional manoeuvrability, making it a versatile multirole platform. Ala 12, stationed at Torrejón Air Base, a major hub 24 kilometres northeast of Madrid, has maintained the Hornet’s operational edge through decades of service, including NATO deployments and domestic defence duties. The display at AIRE highlighted the jet’s raw power, with the pilot pushing its limits through tight manoeuvres that demonstrated its dogfighting capabilities—a rare treat given the aircraft’s age and the gradual transition to newer platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Patrouille Suisse, Switzerland’s aerobatic ambassadors, followed with a display of six Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs, their precision a study in Swiss engineering and discipline. Tight formations, synchronised rolls, and high-speed crosses unfolded with clockwork accuracy, captivating the crowd. With the F-5E slated for retirement by 2027 and the team’s future uncertain, this might have been their final performance in Spain, a bittersweet triumph that left a lasting impression.
Formed in 1964, the Patrouille Suisse is one of Europe’s oldest aerobatic teams, transitioning to the F-5E Tiger II in 1995 after years with the Hawker Hunter. The F-5E, a lightweight supersonic fighter introduced to the Swiss Air Force in 1978, offers a top speed of Mach 1.6 and exceptional agility, ideal for the team’s demanding routines. Based at Emmen Air Base, the team typically flies six jets, performing manoeuvres like the “Tunnel” and “Mirror” with mere meters between aircraft—a testament to their skill. The impending retirement of the F-5E, coupled with no confirmed successor, casts doubt on the team’s future, making this flawless display at AIRE a poignant moment for fans of Swiss aerobatics.
The Eurofighter C.16 Tifón from Ala 11 at Morón Air Base arrived in a blaze of speed, shrouded in vapor cones—fluffy clouds of condensed moisture formed in the low-pressure wake of its wings during a high-speed pass. The display was ferocious, with tight manoeuvres and afterburner roars thrilling the crowd until a bird strike shattered the windshield mid-performance, forcing the pilot to land safely. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Tifón anchors Spain’s air defence, and this incident highlighted both the aircraft’s resilience and the pilot’s skill.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, designated C.16 Tifón in Spain, entered service with Ala 11 at Morón Air Base near Seville in 2004. A multirole fighter capable of air superiority and ground attack, it features a delta-wing design and two Eurojet EJ200 engines, pushing it to Mach 2.0. The vapour cones, a visual spectacle, occur when the jet’s speed compresses air, lowering pressure and temperature to condense ambient moisture—an effect often seen during high-G manoeuvres. Ala 11, one of Spain’s premier fighter units, has leveraged the Tifón’s advanced radar and avionics in NATO missions and domestic patrols. The bird strike, while cutting the display short, demonstrated the aircraft’s robust canopy design and the pilot’s composure, reinforcing its reputation as a cutting-edge asset. (The last three photos show the moment before the bird strike, the seconds after the bird strike and the shattered front canopy after)
Italy’s Frecce Tricolori faced adversity but rose to the occasion, flying six Aermacchi MB-339PANs instead of their usual ten after a mid-season collision claimed three jets and a last-minute technical issue sidelined another, reducing a planned seven-ship display. Despite the setbacks, their polished routine—featuring tight formations and dynamic crosses—earned a hearty round of applause. The MB-339, retired from regular Italian Air Force service, lives on with the Frecce, though the team is set to transition to the Leonardo M-346 soon, making this a late hurrah for the veteran jet.
Established in 1961, the Frecce Tricolori is the world’s largest aerobatic team, based at Rivolto Air Base. The MB-339PAN, introduced in 1982, is a lightweight trainer with a Rolls-Royce Viper engine, offering agility perfect for their signature “Alona” and “Spark” maneuvers. The team’s resilience at AIRE, adapting to a reduced formation after losing aircraft in a three ship mid-air collision earlier in 2025, showcased their professionalism. With the MB-339 phased out of frontline Italian service, the Frecce’s upcoming shift to the advanced M-346 Master signals a new era, but this display honoured the legacy of their long-serving jet with grace and skill.
The Pilatus PC-21 from the Academia General del Aire (AGA) at San Javier signalled the future of Spanish military aviation with a solo display enhanced by white smoke pods. The routine featured tight turns, half Cuban eights, aileron rolls, an inverted pass, a landing-configuration flypast, and a stunning knife-edge pass that showcased the aircraft’s topside, ending with a wing rock goodbye. Introduced in 2020 to replace the Casa C-101, the PC-21 is AGA’s new training linchpin, its graceful performance a glimpse of Spain’s next aerobatic chapter.
The PC-21, a Swiss-designed turboprop trainer from Pilatus Aircraft, entered Spanish service in 2020, based at AGA in San Javier, where it trains pilots for advanced fighters like the Eurofighter. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B engine, it offers jet-like performance with a top speed of 370 knots (685 km/h) and a glass cockpit that mirrors modern combat aircraft. Its agility and cost-efficiency have made it a global favorite, and in Spain, it bridges basic training to frontline operations. The display at AIRE highlighted its aerobatic potential, hinting at its future role with teams like Patrulla Aguila, and its sleek design and smoke-traced manoeuvres captivated the crowd.
A poignant flypast followed, blending past, present, and future: the PC-21 led Patrulla Aguila’s six Casa C-101 Aviojets, with Mistral Warbirds’ Canadair CL-13B (F-86E) Sabre Mk6 trailing behind. After two passes along the crowd line, the PC-21 and F-86 broke off to land, leaving Patrulla Aguila to perform their emotional final display on the C-101—a flawless farewell to a jet retired from training in 2022 but kept alive for the team’s 40-year legacy.
Patrulla Aguila, formed in 1985 at San Javier, has flown the C-101 since its inception, using its seven and later six-ship formation to dazzle audiences worldwide. The C-101, designed by CASA and introduced in 1980, served as Spain’s primary jet trainer until 2022, when the PC-21 took over. The F-86 Sabre, a Korean War icon, flew with Spain from the 1950s to the 1970s, representing the dawn of the jet age. This formation symbolised the Patrulla Aguila’s transition from the Sabre to the C-101 and ultimately the PC-21.
The Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows brought their nine BAE Hawk T1s to the sky, dazzling the crowd until a technical glitch with Red 6, the synchro leader, forced Red 7 to escort him back, trimming the routine’s synchro pair manoeuvres. Since 1980, the Hawk T1 has powered the RAF’s premier team, and despite nearing the end of their service life, their professionalism shone through adversity.
Formed in 1965, the Red Arrows, based at RAF Waddington, are renowned for their diamond-nine formation and precision displays. The Hawk T1, introduced in 1976, offers a top speed of 638 mph (1,028 km/h) and exceptional handling, ideal for manoeuvres like the “Hanna Break” and “Roll Backs.” At AIRE, the team adapted seamlessly to the loss of their synchro pair, maintaining their reputation for excellence. The T1’s retirement looms as the aircraft quickly approaches the end of it’s service life, but this display affirmed its legacy as a precision marvel.
Juan Velarde unleashed aerobatic insanity with his Zivko Edge 540 V2, performing knife-edge spins, torque rolls, and snap rolls that pushed both man and machine to their limits. A Red Bull Air Race veteran from 2014 to 2019, Velarde wielded the lightweight, Lycoming-powered Edge with surgical precision, its carbon-fibre frame built for such extremes.
Velarde, a former airline pilot turned aerobatic star, honed his skills in the Red Bull Air Race, competing globally against the world’s best. The Edge 540 V2, a modified version of the Zivko Aeronautics design, features a 350-horsepower Lycoming AEIO-540 engine and a lightweight airframe, enabling a roll rate of over 420 degrees per second. At AIRE, his display—blending high-G turns with jaw-dropping stunts—showcased his mastery and the aircraft’s extraordinary capabilities, thrilling the crowd with a performance that defied gravity.
The Zeus Demo Team’s Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon from Greece’s 330 Mira, flown by Sgo (I) Georgios Samalis, thundered in with smoke winders trailing white plumes. This Block 30 jet, free of the Block 52+’s Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs), danced with enhanced agility, as the 52+ fleet undergoes upgrades to F-16V Block 72 Viper standards. A Hellenic Air Force staple since 1989, the F-16 shone in this loud, dynamic display.
The Zeus Demo Team, established in 2010, showcases the F-16’s prowess from Nea Aghialos Air Base. The Block 30 F-16C, powered by a General Electric F110-GE-100 engine, offers a lighter, more nimble profile than later variants, ideal for aerobatics. Greece’s F-16 fleet has evolved through multiple blocks since the late 1980s, serving in air defence and NATO missions. Samalis’ routine—featuring high-speed passes and tight turns—highlighted the jet’s agility, amplified by smoke winders that traced its path, making it a crowd favourite.
The Airbus Helicopters Tiger from BHELA I at Almagro, part of Spain’s FAMET, began with an insanely low arrival, skimming the water before launching into a dynamic attack helicopter display. Sharp turns, steep pitches, and high-angle climbs showcased the aircraft from every angle, a rare outing that thrilled the crowd. Since the early 2000s, the Tiger has bolstered Spain’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
Introduced to FAMET in 2007, the Tiger, based at Almagro in Ciudad Real, is a cutting-edge attack helicopter with two MTR390 engines, offering a top speed of 175 mph (282 km/h). Designed for anti-tank, escort, and reconnaissance roles, its advanced avionics and agility make it a formidable asset. The AIRE display, with its low-level manoeuvres and dramatic arrival, demonstrated the pilot’s skill and the Tiger’s precision, a visceral treat rarely seen at public events.
Patrulla Aspa closed the show with five Eurocopter EC 120B Colibri helicopters, their little-known routine bursting with breaks, opposition passes, and a flag-coloured finale using skid-mounted smoke grenades. Rarely seen abroad since their 2003 debut, the team’s finesse capped AIRE with unexpected flair.
Based at Armilla Air Base near Granada, Patrulla Aspa, formed in 2003, is Europe’s only five-ship military helicopter aerobatic team, flying the lightweight EC 120B. With a single Turbomeca Arrius 2F engine, the Colibri offers agility perfect for their “Aspa Cross” and “Helix” maneuvers. Their display concluded with a head-on arrival trailing red and yellow smoke in the Spanish flag’s colors, followed by a break and final flypast—an elegant end to the day. Their rarity outside Spain made this a special highlight.
The AIRE airshow at San Javier was an undeniable triumph, delivering a spectacular and highly successful event that showcased aircraft and performances rarely seen elsewhere. Attendees were treated to the awe-inspiring displays of the Spanish Air & Space Force’s Northrop SF-5M and the Spanish Army’s Boeing CH-47F Chinook—both iconic and very rare machines, making their appearances a special treat for aviation enthusiasts. Adding to the event’s allure were unique formations that set it apart from typical airshows. The true highlight, however, was the unprecedented gathering of five European military jet display teams: Patrulla Aguila, Patrouille de France, Patrouille Suisse, Frecce Tricolori, and the Red Arrows. This rare convergence carried a bittersweet weight, as Patrulla Aguila prepares to transition from its C-101 Aviojets to the modern Pilatus PC-21, and Patrouille Suisse faces the imminent retirement of its Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs by 2027. For many, this may well have been the final opportunity to witness such a historic assembly of aerobatic excellence.
Despite its resounding success, the event faced a notable challenge: the lighting during the first half of the flying displays was far from ideal. The harsh morning sun created difficult conditions for photography, with backlighting and deep shadows often obscuring the aircraft against the bright sky. A simple adjustment could transform future editions—scheduling the airshow for the late afternoon would position the sun behind spectators, bathing the aircraft in golden-hour light and enabling stunning photographs that do justice to the performances. This is a suggestion that organizers of San Javier’s own San Javier Air Festival might consider to elevate an already impressive event.
San Javier itself emerged as a standout venue, reinforcing its potential to host truly exceptional airshows. With its rich aviation legacy as the base of the Academia General del Aire, coupled with its scenic beachfront location and robust facilities, the site is perfectly poised to become a fixture on the European airshow calendar. The success of AIRE 2025 highlights what’s possible, and with minor refinements like improved timing, San Javier could consistently deliver world-class experiences that leave lasting impressions on aviation fans. This event was a testament to its capabilities—and a promising glimpse of what’s to come.
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