PAF contingent arrives in UK to participate in RIAT-2025

ISLAMABAD: A contingent of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) landed at the Royal Air Force Base Fairford in the United Kingdom to participate in the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)-2025.

The contingent comprises state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

The PAF’s participation in RIAT, one of the world’s largest military airshows, underscores PAF’s commitment to professional excellence, operational capability and indigenous strength of its aviation industry, said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

Adding to the operational significance of this international deployment, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighters executed successful air-to-air refueling operations en route to the United Kingdom with the support of a PAF IL-78 aerial refueling tanker. The intricate refueling operation demonstrated the PAF’s long-range operational capabilities and proficiency of its air and ground crew in conducting extended operations beyond national borders.

JF-17 Block-III is an EASA Radar and long range BVR equipped 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking a wide variety of combat missions, bolstering airpower application in the face of contemporary challenges thereby strengthening national security. There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent Pakistan-India conflict, as aviation enthusiasts and defence observers were eagerly looking forward to the arrival of Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III.

The aircraft’s combat-proven capabilities and operational excellence have garnered significant global attention, making its appearance at RIAT a highly anticipated highlight in the aerospace and defence community. In line with RIAT’s annual tradition of themed artistic displays, the PAF’s C-130 Hercules has been adorned with an exclusive livery inspired by this year’s theme, “Eyes in the Skies.” The captivating design symbolizes vigilance, situational awareness and technological edge maintained by the modern air forces in ensuring global security. The striking artwork is expected to be a centre of attraction, reflecting the Pakistan Air Force’s creativity and operational heritage.

The participation of PAF’s advanced fighter aircraft and artistically painted C-130 Hercules in RIAT-2025 is aimed at fostering mutual understanding, sharing aviation experiences and enhancing the PAF’s image as a modern, technologically advanced air force contributing to global peace and security.