Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 General Discussion Thread

[Red-Eye-Knight]

We're kicking off this week's update with another fast jet confirmed for the flying display! The Polish Air Force will be sending their "Tiger Demo Team" with their F-16C Fighting Falcon to perform at RIAT25. This will be the first time we've seen the demo at RIAT since 2018, following last year's unfortunate last-minute cancellation of their participation. The team uses a Block 52 variant of the F-16, and therefore are expecting it to perform with conformal fuel tanks fitted, offering an interesting comparison to the previously announced F-16AM from Denmark. The team will be supported by a C-130E Hercules as a support aircraft, however, at this stage, it is not known if this aircraft will remain for static display over the weekend.

This week we also have four additions to the static display line-up. We're pleased to welcome a pair of aircraft from Ireland, firstly with their Pilatus PC-12NG, only seen once before at RIAT 2022, and very appropriate for our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme. In addition, they'll also send an AW139 helicopter. We're delighted to announce that the Commemorative Air Force will be extending their 'Navy to Victory' Tour with their Douglas R4D-6S "Ready 4 Duty" aircraft to include an appearance at RIAT25. This aircraft's participation is particularly special to us, as the aircraft was also present at the first Air Tattoo which was held at RAF Fairford in 1985. The aircraft will be on static display all three days of the show, and the iconic aircraft will have artefacts from surviving U.S. World War II-era warships, assembled onboard the aircraft, especially for the Navy to Victory Tour. Finally, we'll always be happy to add another classic jet to the static line, this time in the form of a Fouga Magister, operated in private hands in France.

As the event draws closer we're starting to hear back from more of the world's Air Arms, who due to their operational tempo are sadly unable to send aircraft this year, but hope to return to RIAT again in future years. That said, we are still in positive discussions with a myriad of operators and plenty more aircraft to be announced for both flying and static displays in the coming weeks.

[Harkins]

As the event draws closer we're starting to hear back from more of the world's Air Arms, who due to their operational tempo are sadly unable to send aircraft this year, but hope to return to RIAT again in future years. That said, we are still in positive discussions with a myriad of operators and plenty more aircraft to be announced for both flying and static displays in the coming weeks.

That bit is rather ominous. Can't recall there ever being a statement like that made before. After last years best show in a long time, we might be on course for more a 2013 event. No Swiss, Turks or Norwegians - usually good contributors.

It was never going to match last year, but it might be a very flat follow up. Maybe I should have bought tickets for the new nightclub enclosure instead of FRIAT.

[jasonT1981]

As the event draws closer we're starting to hear back from more of the world's Air Arms, who due to their operational tempo are sadly unable to send aircraft this year, but hope to return to RIAT again in future years. That said, we are still in positive discussions with a myriad of operators and plenty more aircraft to be announced for both flying and static displays in the coming weeks.

That bit is rather ominous. Can't recall there ever being a statement like that made before. After last years best show in a long time, we might be on course for more a 2013 event. No Swiss, Turks or Norwegians - usually good contributors.

It was never going to match last year, but it might be a very flat follow up. Maybe I should have bought tickets for the new nightclub enclosure instead of FRIAT.

Did the same last year

At the same time, we are starting to hear back from other Air Arms who are sadly unable to send their aircraft to RIAT 2024 due to their operational commitments. These can be viewed at the bottom of the invited nations list.

[RNexpat190]

Plenty of time yet.

RN.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

This week we're pleased confirm the participation of the Royal Navy at RIAT25! In the flying display we're welcoming back the Black Cats Helicopter Display team with their pair of Wildcat helicopters, and we're planning for them to fly on all three days of the show. In addition, we'll also be welcoming a Merlin HM.2 helicopter from RNAS Culdrose for static display.

This week we have another star item as part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme, with the French Air & Space Force providing their Boeing E-3F Sentry for static display at RIAT 2025. The aircraft will be coming from Avord Air Base to make a very rare airshow appearance which we're very excited to see! The current plan is that the aircraft will arrive on Friday afternoon to join the static display at the western end of the airfield.

A smaller, but just as exciting, addition to the static display comes in the form of a MD-500 helicopter from the Finnish Army. These characteristic helicopters are rarely seen in the UK so will be another highlight for aviation enthusiasts come July. Finally, a civilian Piper Cub in Italian Army colours will also join the static display to offer a historical perspective on our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme.

This week we've continued discussions with the United States Air Forces in Europe regarding US DOD aircraft participation at RIAT 2025. Whilst their approval process means we can't announce which of their aircraft will be appearing until much closer to the show we are in positive discussions to welcome a number of aircraft types to the show. As soon as we're able to share the plans, we will!

We are aware of incidents involving aircraft which are due to display at RIAT25. We await news from their respective national authorities on any impact to their appearance at the show and will update in due course. Our thoughts are with those personnel involved.

Tomorrow we look forward to welcoming members of FRIAT to Douglas Bader House for the annual FRIAT Forum."

[seven]

Great catches with the Sentry and Defender!

Wonder if they'll keep the Merlin longer than Cosford...

[lifeofprice]

another great addition. although i do wonder how long the merlin will last till it get cancelled haha

[Red-Eye-Knight]

another great addition. although i do wonder how long the merlin will last till it get cancelled haha

Which Merlin you talking about?

[seven]

Good point

Doing better than Cosford managed with the HM.2 so far though

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Flightline UK reporting that the Finnish F-18 demo will still be flying this season and this is what they had to say about it.


The F/A-18 Hornet will perform at the Careers in Military Aviation Day, Pirkkala on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

A Finnish Air Force F/A-18 was lost during a practice display flight on 7th May. The accident is being investigated by a seven-person accident investigation team, which consists of professionals from several different branches of military aviation. The causes of the accident will be revealed after the investigation is completed. The investigation may take several months.

The safety of the 2025 display profile has been reviewed and the Finnish Air Force’s demonstration flight operations will continue throughout the year.

Captain Petteri Kairinen, the 2024 Display Pilot, has been appointed as the main F/A-18 Display pilot for the rest of 2025 and will utilise his 2024 display routine. Captain Ville Tuomainen will continue as deputy demonstration pilot

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Seen on Flightline UK

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) are asking for people to share their memories of the aviation showcase as they celebrate 40 years since moving to RAF Fairford.

This summer’s show marks four decades since Air Tattoo first touched down in Gloucestershire, with 32 shows taking place at the rural airfield since then.

As part of the celebrations, the event is set to have a heritage area on the showground to recognise the show’s history and organisers are looking for people to contribute with their photos and memories of attending the show.

To take part, you will need to email your photos and stories to 40Years@rafcte.com for a chance for them to feature on a memory wall at this year’s show, which is due to take place from Friday 18th-Sunday 20th July.

Chief Executive Officer, Paul Atherton said: “We are hugely proud of our relationship with RAF Fairford and the local area and are looking forward to celebrating it at this summer’s event.

“Since 1985 we have been inviting people and aircraft from all over the world to be a part of what we do, and we would love to be able to share some of your memories with visitors who are joining us this year.”

With less than 75 days to go until this summer’s event, RIAT have already announced over 50 different aircraft including the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, Swedish Air Force Blackhawk and a Royal Danish Air Force F-16.

[Harkins]

Having seen an account of last weeks FRIAT forum, it was apparently said by Paul Atherton that as of that morning (last Friday) they had about 200 aircraft. A count of what’s been announced so far came to about 87. So that in theory leaves around 113 more aircraft to be confirmed, averaging about 12 or 13 each of the next nine Thursday updates. Exciting Thursdays ahead!!

But is 200 aircraft at the lower end of total aircraft in attendance in the modern era? Say the last 15 years? 2013 was a tad quieter as I recall what with the US sequestration and all.

[RNexpat190]

Anyone remamber RIAT 2003 with 535 aircraft.

RN.

[SeaFuryFan]

Yes remember it well, my first Riat

[Steven]

Having seen an account of last weeks FRIAT forum, it was apparently said by Paul Atherton that as of that morning (last Friday) they had about 200 aircraft. A count of what’s been announced so far came to about 87. So that in theory leaves around 113 more aircraft to be confirmed, averaging about 12 or 13 each of the next nine Thursday updates. Exciting Thursdays ahead!!

But is 200 aircraft at the lower end of total aircraft in attendance in the modern era? Say the last 15 years? 2013 was a tad quieter as I recall what with the US sequestration and all.

My count is up to approx 100 so far not including spare display aircraft

[iainpeden]

Anyone remamber RIAT 2003 with 535 aircraft.

RN.

A great show celebrating 100 years of flight. That number included many museum/historic aircraft in the special display.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Having seen an account of last weeks FRIAT forum, it was apparently said by Paul Atherton that as of that morning (last Friday) they had about 200 aircraft. A count of what’s been announced so far came to about 87. So that in theory leaves around 113 more aircraft to be confirmed, averaging about 12 or 13 each of the next nine Thursday updates. Exciting Thursdays ahead!!

But is 200 aircraft at the lower end of total aircraft in attendance in the modern era? Say the last 15 years? 2013 was a tad quieter as I recall what with the US sequestration and all.

Did you just copy what someone on UKAR said about 10 mins before you did on here about same subject? Unless you are same person?

[Red-Eye-Knight]

This week we're saying 'Bedankt' to our friends in the Royal Netherlands Air Force for their continued support of RIAT, with an interesting assortment of their aircraft joining the RIAT25 static displays. Firstly, we're particularly pleased to welcome their Pilatus PC-7 aircraft, used for elementary flying training, for their first appearance at a British airshow in over 10 years. In contrast to the small PC-7, the RNLAF are also supporting the deployment of the Airbus A330 MRTT operated by the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit. The current plan is that this large aircraft will be parked close to the centre of the static line and open for visitors to climb onboard on all three days of the show. As part of our 'Eyes in the Skies', the RNLAF are contributing their familiar favourite from 860 Squadron; the NH90 NFH. Finally, we're pleased to welcome the new AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Netherlands for the first time. This year marks 50 years since the first flight of the AH-64 Apache, and we'll be sharing more news on our plans to mark this important anniversary at RIAT25 in the coming weeks...

Further to the previously announced AW139 & PC-12, the Irish Air Corps have now confirmed they can send a third aircraft to RIAT25! They'll also be sending their Eurocopter EC135 for static display.

This week, we have added five civilian-operated aircraft to the static display. Notably, we're pleased to welcome the unusual Bell 47 H-1 to RIAT25, with this helicopter only recently being imported into the UK. In addition, we have two aircraft from the RAF Microlight Flying Association and two privately operated light aircraft joining the static displays. Whilst some of these General Aviation aircraft may not appear as the most exciting of aircraft types, they are an important part of RIAT to allow us to showcase the full spectrum of aviation. Not many of our visitors can jump into a Typhoon or F-16 after RIAT, but general aviation aircraft like the Cessna 152 or AA-5 Tiger are operated at flying clubs across the country and offer the first taste of flight to many aviation fans.

This week, members of our team have been in London to give a briefing to the international Defence Attaché community, alongside RAF personnel, on our plans for RIAT25. Many fruitful conversations were had with many representatives, and it was clear that excitement for the show in July is very high amongst our international colleagues. We'll be following up on these conversations in the coming weeks to get those important confirmations of their aircraft participation.

This week, we've heard from one of our civilian participants, a Soko Kraguj, whose aircraft is no longer able to attend RIAT25. The other Kraguj will still be attending as previously planned.

[Discodaz]

wow,i didn't know this many helicopters existed!

sorry to say, so far this is by far the worst air tattoo line up at this stage of announcements..I hate to sound negative about it, and I'm grateful for all the efforts put in by organisers and nations but...so far its a bit naff

[GVLCN]

I would have to agree with Discodaz this is looking really flat this year, probably the least excited I’ve ever been for RIAT. I do hope they have some interesting fighters/ bombers to be added to the line up, the last few updates have been dreadful.