PAF arrives in UK to participate in Royal International Air Tattoo 2025

(Web Desk): A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has arrived in the United Kingdom to take part in the upcoming Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, one of the world's most prestigious military airshows, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday.

The PAF team landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in Gloucestershire, bringing with it the JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The RIAT 2025 is scheduled to be held from July 18 to 20.

According to ISPR, PAF’s participation in RIAT highlights its commitment to showcasing professional excellence, operational capability, and the indigenous strength of Pakistan’s aviation industry.

The deployment also featured a major operational milestone as the JF-17 Block-III aircraft successfully carried out Air-to-Air Refuelling operations during their journey to the UK, with support from a PAF IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker. This complex operation demonstrated the PAF’s long-range operational capabilities and the skill of its air and ground crew in conducting extended missions beyond national borders.

The JF-17 Thunder Block-III is a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter, equipped with EASA radar and long-range Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capability, capable of performing a wide variety of combat missions. Its deployment strengthens Pakistan’s airpower and reinforces its national security posture.

ISPR also noted a heightened level of interest in the UK following recent Pakistan-India tensions, with aviation enthusiasts and defence analysts especially eager to witness the arrival of the JF-17 Block-III. The aircraft’s combat-proven capabilities and operational performance have drawn global attention, making its presence at RIAT one of the most anticipated events in the aerospace and defence community.