RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire; 18-20 July 2025
Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard
The theme for this year’s world’s largest military airshow was ‘Eyes in the Skies’ highlighting aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance. These less obvious but highly important roles attracted over two hundred aircraft surrounded by exciting STEM exhibits ideally suited to families given that under 18s still enjoy free admission.
After many years of absence, this year saw the return of some Soviet types, albeit from unusual nations. An Ilyushin Il-78 from Pakistan that brought with it two Chinese built J-7 Thunder fighters and an Antonov An-74 from the Egyptian Air Force. Both these Nations were newcomers to the Air Tattoo and more than welcomed by aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike. Another ‘first’ was a flying display by a Lockheed U-2 spy plane, never seen before at a display outside the USA.
For once, the static park fairly bristled with helicopters from many nations. This duo of PZL Sokols demonstrated air rescue with a dramatic performance. More flying demonstrations featured the NH90s from Germany, an EH101 from Portugal, Apache gunships and Wildcats highlighting the versatility of rotary aviation both destroying targets and saving lives.
The Royal Air Force is rightly proud of the Red Arrows display team, this year the nine Hawks are facing replacement once the type is withdrawn from service. With new formations and numerous crossovers they attract enthusiastic crowds and, no doubt, inspire the young to join up. Another RAF treat this year was the arrival of the first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft that joined with the team for a ‘combination’ flypast.
This year’s show came at the end of a very hot and dry spring and early summer in the UK so the weather broke right as the show started. Friday was fair but humid, Saturday alternated between overcast and bright with showers and Sunday started extremely wet. This changing atmosphere created condensation trails as high performance aircraft made tight turns just below the cloud base. with so many interesting indoor displays there were many opportunities for families to shelter as necessary.
Another rare appearance was a flying arrival on Friday of a French Air Force E-3F Sentry, still in service though the RAF withdrew their fleet many years ago; hence the selection of the Wedgetail. Those fortunate to be in the best place for its arrival this was, indeed, a rare photo opportunity. Another French rarity was a display by an Atlantic maritime aircraft, not seen at RIAT for many years and performing a spirited display for such a large aircraft. It is still amazing how many volunteers contribute to the management of this event; many performing duties far away from the displays. our thanks go to all involved.
