ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is set to make a strong impression at the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the United Kingdom, with a powerful contingent that includes the cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets and a specially decorated C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
The PAF contingent has already arrived at RAF Fairford, where the event is scheduled to be held from July 18 to 20. The deployment involved a long-range journey made possible through mid-air refueling, facilitated by the PAF’s IL-78 aerial tanker — a move that highlights the force’s growing operational range and logistical capabilities.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-III, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet co-developed by Pakistan and China, will be the centerpiece of Pakistan’s aerial showcase. The aircraft is equipped with modern avionics, including an AESA radar and long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, positioning it as a key asset in the PAF’s modernization efforts.
In addition to the fighter aircraft, the C-130 Hercules will be displayed in a unique livery titled “Eyes in the Skies,” designed to reflect the event’s 2025 theme. The design symbolizes aerial vigilance, situational awareness, and Pakistan’s creative and technological contributions to military aviation.
RIAT is one of the world’s largest military airshows, drawing participation from over 60 countries and featuring a wide range of aerial demonstrations and static displays. It serves as a platform for aviation diplomacy, defense collaboration, and technological exchange among global air forces.
The PAF’s participation in RIAT 2025 is seen as a strategic opportunity to highlight its indigenous capabilities, especially in the realm of aircraft production, and to strengthen international military ties. It also offers Pakistan a chance to counter perceptions, showcase its growing defense industry, and underline its operational competence on the global stage.
By participating in such a high-profile international event, the PAF reaffirms its commitment to modernization and global engagement, reinforcing Pakistan’s image as a competent and forward-looking air power.
