Flying High at RAF Fairford: Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 Recap
From 18–20 July 2025, RAF Fairford blazed with the energy of RIAT25, the world’s largest military airshow. Hosted under the triumphant “Eyes in the Skies” theme, this 40th-anniversary edition celebrated the vital, yet often unseen, role of aviation in reconnaissance, surveillance, and life-saving missions across land, sea, and sky.
🎖️ Theme & Significance
Marking four decades since relocating to Gloucestershire, RIAT25 focused on aircraft mission systems normally operating out of sight. Surveillance, signals intelligence, maritime patrol, and search & rescue took centre stage. From the Lockheed U‑2 to maritime patrol Atlantique jets and the RAF’s electrifying E‑7 Wedgetail, the show delivered on its promise of “Eyes in the Skies.
Top Flying Displays
Red Arrows: In history-making fashion, these iconic jets flew using a sustainable aviation fuel blend — hydrotreated vegetable oil mixed with standard jet fuel. Their dazzling smoke trails became the first of their kind at an aerobatic display.
RAF Fast Jets: The Typhoon FGR4 and F‑35B Lightning wowed the crowds with high-performance manoeuvres throughout the weekend.
E‑7 Wedgetail: Made its first-ever airshow appearance in tight formation with the Red Arrows during a special flypast.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Returned to the skies after grounding, offering nostalgic views of historic aircraft.
Global Gathering: Aircraft & Nations
RIAT25 featured a staggering 224 aircraft from 27 countries, including the first-ever Swedish Black Hawks on both flying and static display. Among the participants were assets from the Belgian Air Component, Czech, Finnish, German, Hungarian, Jordanian, Lithuanian, Spanish, and Swedish air forces. Also highlighted was Pakistan’s C‑130H Hercules, awarded the Concours d’Élégance Trophy for outstanding presentation.
On the Ground: More Than Just Flying
Techno Zone®: Expanded this year to offer STEM-focused activities and hands-on tech demos, captivating kids and adults alike.
Inspire Stage: Featured astronaut Tim Peake and TV personality Rachel Riley, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Heritage Hub: Celebrated four decades of RIAT at RAF Fairford, displaying iconic aircraft from earlier years.
Altitude & Family Enclosures: New in 2025, Altitude offered a rooftop terrace, live DJ, cocktails, and VIP views; the Family Enclosure offered shaded garden seating, private toilets, and pilot interaction zones.
Numbers & Atmosphere
Over 175,000 visitors attended during the three packed days, making it one of the largest aviation gatherings to date. An impressive 41 air chiefs from around the world were also in attendance.
In his closing remarks, RAF Charitable Trust CEO Paul Atherton praised the event as a testament to international cooperation, volunteer dedication, and aviation passion. With tickets already on sale for 2026, anticipation for next year begins now.
What It Meant
RIAT25 wasn’t just an airshow — it was a statement. By combining thrilling aerial performances with cutting-edge innovations in reconnaissance and sustainability, the event inspired thousands of future aviators, engineers, and strategists. From the roar of fast jets to the drone-like quiet of surveillance trikes, it showcased the multifaceted power of aviation in the modern age.
Final Take
RIAT25 delivered a spectacular fusion of history, technology, ambition, and awe. Whether standing at the crowdline during a Red Arrows flypast or exploring the Techno Zone’s interactive exhibits, visitors left with memories — and a deeper understanding of why aviation matters now more than ever.
✈️ Aircraft Features: Exploring the Eyes in the Skies
At RIAT 2025, the “Eyes in the Skies” theme brought aviation’s most vital reconnaissance and surveillance assets into the spotlight, both on the ground and in the air.
Boeing E‑7 Wedgetail
The RAF’s brand-new E‑7 Wedgetail made its airshow debut in tight formation with the Red Arrows. Its airborne early warning capability was emphasized through dynamic flypasts, offering the public a rare glimpse of the radar-equipped surveillance giant at work.
Lockheed U‑2 Dragon Lady
One of the most exclusive displays of the weekend: the legendary U‑2 spy aircraft flew at RIAT for the second year running. Built for high-altitude intelligence gathering, its appearance embodied the theme’s focus on strategic reconnaissance
Fast Jets & Display Teams
The line-up of fighter and aerobatic teams was diverse and thrilling:
A trio of Eurofighter Typhoons from the UK, Spain, and Italy showcased elite precision and power
Polish and Danish F‑16s delivered high-octane solo performances, including Denmark’s final F‑16 flying routine capped with a water cannon salute as they transition to the F‑35A.
Iconic teams such as the Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori dazzled with their trademark formations and smoke artistry. The Red Arrows made history by performing their entire show on 100% sustainable aviation fuel — the first national military aerobatic display to do so.
Static & Support Aircraft Highlights
The static exhibition included aircraft representing SAR, maritime patrol, and tactical surveillance roles:
Swedish Black Hawks (Hkp. 16) allowed visitors to explore the cockpit and interact with crew — their engaging display won the Engagement Trophy
Pakistan C‑130H Hercules earned the Concours d’Élégance Trophy for the best‑presented aircraft
Helicopters including PZL Sokols, Germany’s NH90, Portugal’s EH101, and Apache gunships highlighted search and rescue and combat support roles
🗣️ Voices from the Show: Interviews & Insights
Flt Lt Jacob Tasker of No. XIX Squadron explained the role of surveillance personnel:
“We’re here to raise awareness of how the broader RAF is supported from surveillance officers monitoring UK airspace 24/7 to defence officers and controllers managing airborne threats our WWII‑style plotting map helps visitors visualise how all the elements fit together.”
🧭 Summary: Aircraft & Interviews That Shaped RIAT 2025
| Highlight | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| E‑7 Wedgetail & U‑2 | Advanced surveillance and early-warning aircraft |
| Red Arrows on SAF | First-ever 100% sustainable fuel aerobatic team display |
| Static Helicopters & SAR Assets | Swedish Black Hawk, Sokols, NH90, EH101 |
| Engagement & Tech Displays | Interactive cockpit access and STEM exhibits |
✨ Final Thoughts
RIAT 2025 delivered a powerful convergence of aviation performance and public engagement. Cutting‑edge aircraft like the E‑7 Wedgetail and U‑2, combined with the sustainable milestone set by the Red Arrows, reinforced the show’s Eyes in the Skies focus. Meanwhile, personal stories shared by RAF cadets and personnel brought the human side of aerial surveillance and defence to life.