The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 is one of the most important and traditional air shows in Europe and globally, where air forces and defense companies come together to showcase and demonstrate the capabilities of their military aircraft. The event is no minor occasion, attracting 150,000 spectators annually from around the world.
The most recent edition, which concluded a few days ago, featured a standout performance by a detachment from the Pakistan Air Force, led by a pair of its modern JF-17C Thunder Block III fighter jets.
Although the JF-17 had been previously showcased in the UK—most notably at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2010—its participation in RIAT 2025 marked the first time the JF-17C Block III variant flew in British skies.
The Block III is the latest and most advanced version of the multirole fighter developed through a joint venture between Pakistan and China. This variant, which first flew in January 2020 and entered service with the Pakistan Air Force in 2023, incorporates new systems and technologies that represent a significant leap in capability over previous versions.
As has been highlighted on several occasions, the JF-17C Block III is reportedly equipped with an AESA radar—presumably the KLJ-7A—new electronic warfare systems, and pilot-centric enhancements such as wide-angle holographic sights, a helmet-mounted display and targeting system, and a fully digital cockpit.
Back at RIAT 2025, the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 became one of the most photographed aircraft at the event, as aviation enthusiasts sought to catch their first glimpse of the fighter developed through the China-Pakistan partnership.
According to images circulated online, the aircraft deployed to the UK—bearing tail numbers “23-323” and “23-319”—belong to PAF’s No. 8 Squadron, known as the “Haiders.” The “323” jet also featured a special commemorative paint scheme marking its participation in RIAT.
It’s also worth noting that the Pakistani delegation included additional aircraft beyond the JF-17s, which not only supported the journey to the UK but were also displayed at RAF Fairford. Specifically, a C-130E Hercules from No. 6 Squadron “Antelope” and an Ilyushin Il-78 “Midas” aerial refueling tanker from No. 10 Squadron “Bulls” took part in the deployment.
This major deployment led by the Thunder fighters earned the Pakistan Air Force delegation the Spirit of the Meet award, presented to “…the participant that best embodies the spirit of the Air Tattoo,” in recognition of “…their efforts in deploying a pair of domestically produced fighter aircraft on a 4,000-mile journey, accompanied by a tanker and a transport aircraft in a special paint scheme, and presenting them in a vibrant and engaging static display.”
Photo credits: As appropriate.
