London (TDI): A team from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), featuring its latest JF-17 Thunder Block-III, has reached the United Kingdom to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, according to a statement made on Thursday by the military’s media wing.
The event will be held from 18 July to 20 July at RAF Fairford, and is one of the largest military airshows in the world which has been held annually for over 50 years.
The PAF contingent includes the advanced JF-17 Block-III fighters along with a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. As per Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s participation highlights the country’s aim to showcase its aviation expertise and the strength of its domestic defense industry.
On their way to the UK, the fighter jets successfully carried out mid-air refueling operations with help from a PAF IL-78 tanker aircraft. Also, the operation showed Pakistan Air Force’s ability to conduct long-range missions and it demonstrated the skills of both its ground crews and pilots in handling extensive operations far from home.Â
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The JF-17 Block III is a multi-role fighter equipped fully with advanced radar and long-range weapons. It’s built to handle a wide range of combat missions. According to the PAF, these abilities play a crucial role in maintaining air defense and tackling modern-day threats.
This development comes months after a major air engagement between Pakistan and India in which Pakistan shot down five Indian aircraft in response to overnight Indian aggression during the conflict.
A month later PAF confirmed that the Kamra-based 15th squadron was behind this operation. Notably, this was one of the largest aerial clashes in the region in more than 50 years.
Since that conflict, interest in PAF’s appearance at RIAT has significantly grown, with many in aviation and defense circles eager to see the JF-17 Block III up close. The aircraft has become a focus of International attention ahead of the airshow.
