The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has deployed its advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, held at RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom. The contingent arrived on July 17, 2025, in advance of the event, which took place from July 18 to 20.
RIAT, recognised as the world’s largest military airshow with over 50 years of history, supports the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. PAF’s participation underscores its professional excellence, operational capabilities, and indigenous aviation strength. During the journey, JF-17 pilots successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling with a PAF IL-78 tanker, demonstrating their long-range operational expertise. This involvement follows PAF’s recent combat achievements, including the downing of five Indian jets during the conflict between Pakistan and India in May 2025.
2x JF-17 Thunder Block-III serial no. 23-323 & serial no. 23-319 respectively, from No. 08 Squadron "Haiders" of the Pakistan Air Force arriving at RAF Fairford for RIAT 2025⚡ 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/pcjM0eHw6n
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) July 16, 2025The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aims to showcase its capabilities at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), fostering international collaboration. “PAF’s participation in RIAT highlights the Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to showcasing its professional excellence, operational capabilities, and the strength of its indigenous aviation industry,” stated the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). This airshow attracts global aviation enthusiasts, and the PAF’s presence further enhances its reputation for precision and innovation.
Read: China to Supply Pakistan 40 J-35 Stealth Jets, India’s AMCA Lags Behind
While en route to the UK, JF-17 Block-III jets successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling with an IL-78 tanker. This operation highlighted the Pakistan Air Force’s extended operational range and the proficiency of its crew in international missions. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) remarked, “The intricate refuelling operation demonstrated the PAF’s long-range operational capabilities and the expertise of its air and ground crew in carrying out extended operations beyond national borders.”
Arriving with the ROAR⚡🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/2aDcynNaPK
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) July 16, 2025JF-17 Thunder Block-III Capabilities
The JF-17 Block-III serves as a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter with EASA radar and long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles. It handles diverse combat missions, enhancing national security. “JF-17 Block-III is an EASA Radar and Long Range BVR equipped 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking a wide variety of combat missions, bolstering airpower application in the face of contemporary challenges, thereby strengthening national security,” explained ISPR.
JF-17 Thunder Block-III before departing to UK for RIAT 2025 ⚡ 🇵🇰
Credits: Syed Zohaib Zaidi pic.twitter.com/FqwzzJrxcD
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) July 17, 2025The recent deployment of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) follows its retaliatory actions in May 2025, when the 15 Squadron successfully downed five Indian jets during airstrikes. This engagement was one of South Asia’s largest air confrontations in over 50 years.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) noted a considerable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent conflict between Pakistan and India. Aviation enthusiasts and defence observers in the UK are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III. The aircraft’s proven combat capabilities have garnered worldwide attention.
