The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved top honours in two categories at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the United Kingdom, as reported by state-run PTV on July 19. The RIAT, which is the world’s largest military airshow with over 50 years of history, supports the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and takes place from July 18 to 20 at RAF Fairford.
The PAF’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jet received the “Spirit of the Meet Trophy” for its impressive livery and remarkable non-stop flight from Pakistan, which included air-to-air refuelling. Additionally, the C-130H Hercules transport aircraft was awarded the “Concours d’Elegance Trophy.” These awards recognise the aircraft’s exceptional flight capabilities and technical expertise.
“This achievement has elevated Pakistan’s aviation sector internationally,” PTV stated. The JF-17 Block-III represents Pakistan’s advanced defence technology, featuring combat-proven capabilities that attract global attention.
The Pakistan Air Force JF-17C Block III was awarded the prestigious 'Spirit of the Meet Trophy' at the #RIAT2025 for its striking livery and the incredible journey from Pakistan with non-stop air to air refuelling (AAR).@DGPR_PAF @airtattoo pic.twitter.com/x4jTCpBjZi
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 19, 2025A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent, consisting of JF-17 Thunder Block-III jets and a C-130 Hercules, arrived at RAF Fairford on July 16. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) emphasised the successful air-to-air refuelling of the JF-17 with a PAF IL-78 tanker during the journey, showcasing its long-range operational capabilities.
“The intricate refuelling operation demonstrated PAF’s long-range operational capabilities and the proficiency of its air and ground crew in conducting extended operations beyond national borders,” ISPR noted.
پاک فضائیہ کے طیاروں نے رائل انٹرنیشنل ایئر ٹیٹو شو میں عالمی اعزاز جیت لئے
معرکہ حق میں بھارتی فضائیہ کو سبق سکھانے والے پاکستانی JF-17C بلاک III طیارے کا ایک اور اعزاز
پاک فضائیہ کے JF-17C بلاک III طیارے نے رائل انٹرنیشنل ایئر ٹیٹو شو 2025 میں اعلیٰ اعزاز حاصل کر لیا ہے… pic.twitter.com/vMXwCqtIT8
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 19, 2025The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) demonstrates its commitment to professional excellence and the advancement of its indigenous aviation capabilities through its participation. Moreover, the PAF’s recent combat successes, including the downing of Indian jets in May 2025 amid a conflict between Pakistan and India, have generated significant excitement in the UK. In fact, this engagement represented one of the largest air battles in South Asia in over five decades.
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Additionally, the Kamra-based 15 Squadron led the charge, as PAF acknowledged. Consequently, there is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent conflict between Pakistan and India. Aviation enthusiasts and defence observers are now eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III, as ISPR added.
