A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), featuring the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, has arrived in the United Kingdom to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, according to a statement released Thursday by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The RIAT, scheduled to run from July 18 to 20 at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious military airshows, supporting the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.
The PAF delegation includes state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III multirole fighters and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, both representing Pakistan’s evolving aviation capability and indigenous technological development.
“PAF’s participation in RIAT underscores its professional excellence, operational readiness, and the strength of its domestic aviation industry,” the ISPR stated.
En route to the UK, the JF-17 Block-III aircraft successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling with the assistance of a PAF IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker. The ISPR noted that the complex mid-air refuelling operation demonstrated PAF’s long-range strike capability and the expertise of its air and ground crews in executing extended missions beyond national borders.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-III, equipped with an AESA radar and long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile systems, is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter capable of performing a wide array of combat operations. Its deployment at RIAT reflects the PAF’s ongoing modernization efforts and contribution to regional airpower dynamics.
Interest in the JF-17’s appearance at RIAT has surged following the recent Pakistan-India conflict in which PAF’s Kamra-based 15 Squadron reportedly downed five Indian aircraft in retaliation for cross-border strikes. The engagement is now regarded as one of the most significant air-to-air encounters in South Asia in over 50 years.
“There is growing anticipation among aviation enthusiasts and defence analysts in the UK as the combat-proven JF-17 Block-III prepares for its appearance,” the ISPR added. “The aircraft’s operational success and advanced capabilities have positioned it as a focal point of interest at this year’s airshow.”
Source: Web Desk
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