The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has arrived in the United Kingdom with its latest JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025. This marks a major moment for Pakistan’s aviation industry on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms.
Running from July 18 to 20, RIAT is held at Royal Air Force Base Fairford and is regarded as one of the largest military airshows globally. This year, the PAF is showcasing both the JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
PAF Showcases Advanced Capabilities with JF-17 Thunder Block-III
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the JF-17 Thunder’s participation highlights the PAF’s operational capabilities and the growing strength of Pakistan’s indigenous aviation development.
The journey to the UK itself demonstrated technical expertise. The JF-17 Thunder at UK airshow performed successful air-to-air refuelling operations mid-route using a PAF IL-78 tanker. This complex maneuver underlined the long-range operational readiness of both pilots and support crews.
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The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, equipped with an EASA radar and beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile capabilities. It is designed for a variety of combat missions and plays a critical role in national defense.
Global attention has grown for the aircraft since the Pakistan-India conflict. Where PAF’s 15 Squadron reportedly downed five Indian jets during a high-stakes engagement. With these recent successes, interest in the JF-17’s performance at RIAT is strong among aviation observers and defence analysts across the UK.
As the airshow begins, the JF-17 Thunder at UK airshow is expected to be a standout attraction. Its presence reinforces the PAF’s position on the global stage and reflects its technical progress and professional excellence.
