The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) arrived in the United Kingdom to participate in RIAT 2025, presenting its JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The event held at RAF Fairford from July 18 to 20, 2025.
The deployment of two JF-17 Thunder Block-III aircraft, which based on 8 Squadron No. “Haiders”, is the first long-range operation of this aircraft: during the flight to the United Kingdom, air-to-air refuelling successfully performed. The JF-17 Block-III using the better AESA radar and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles makes the fighter competitive as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter within the global defense market.
A C-130 Hercules, which is of No.6 Squadron, dispatched in addition to the fighters. The plane has a new paint job called Eyes in the Skies, in line with the RIAT 2025 theme of airlines surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
This is the first time PAF has brought the JF-17 Thunder Block-III to the Royal International Air Tattoo. The aircraft produced domestically at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra and marketed as cost-effective alternatives to other multirole platforms. PAF’s participation aims to increase visibility of its indigenous aerospace capabilities and support ongoing defense diplomacy efforts.
JF-17 Thunder has already attracted a lot of interest after its recent participation in training and deployment with the region. The participation by PAF in RIAT 2025 highlights the emphasis which it puts on the operational readiness, mid-air refuelling integration and extended range operations.
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 (RIAT) is still ongoing until the 20th of July, featuring shows by multiple international air forces. The region is keeping a close eye on PAF participation when it comes to defense analysts and aviation observers.
 arrived in the United Kingdom to participate in RIAT 2025, presenting its JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The event held at RAF Fairford from July 18 to 20, 2025.){kind=link}