18-20 July 2025 RIAT - Eyes in the skies

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

In addition, a highlight for aviation enthusiasts will be

the first-ever visit of Hellenic Mirages to RIAT!

We're extremely pleased to welcome a pair of their Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, from 331 Mira, for static display at the show.

We have asked the unit to bring 1x single-seat and 1x twin-seat aircraft,
so both models can be admired by visitors to the show.

Spanish Air & Space Force, with their VIGMA D.4 aircraft

This CN235 was indeed mentioned earlier in this thread as "self-confirmed".

pair of ex-RAF Bulldog training aircraft.

This week we've also heard from Ireland and Qatar, who both plan to send aircraft for static display at RIAT.

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing updated: 17th Apr 2025

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing
Last updated: 24th Apr 2025

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

This week's update is focused on a fantastic contribution from the Italian Air Force to RIAT25!

Starting with the flying display;
we're pleased to welcome back the Frecce Tricolori to RAF Fairford

In addition, returning again are the Reparto Sperimentale Volo
with solo flying displays from their
C-27J Spartan,
F-2000A Typhoon and
T-346A Master which are always favourites at the show.

On the ground, we're pleased to welcome three aircraft for static display from the Italian Air Force which are all relevant for our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme.
Only seen once before at RIAT,
their Gulfstream E-550A airborne early warning aircraft and
Leonardo P-72A maritime patrol aircraft are very welcome visitors to RIAT25.

In addition, we will also have a HH-139 search and rescue helicopter, with the plan being for the helicopter which attends to be the specially marked airframe from 84° Centro SAR painted to celebrate the unit's 100th anniversary.

Also this week we've heard from France & Poland
about their intent to participate at RIAT25,
as well as continuing planning with the Royal Air Force for their aircraft which will feature on static display.
As ever, come back next Thursday for more information!

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing Last updated: 1st May 2025

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

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.
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.
The aircraft will be on static display all three days of the show,

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.

Not participating Air arms

Royal Australian Air Force,Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina,Botswana Defence Force,
Brazilian Air Force,
Bulgarian Air Force,
Chilean Air Force,
Croatian Air Force,
French Army,
Israeli Air Force,
Italian Navy,
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force,Luxembourg Armed Forces,Mexican Air Force,
Royal Norwegian Air Force,Peruvian Air Force,
Polish Navy,Polish Land Forces,
Serbian Air Force & Air Defence,Sri Lanka Air Force,
Swiss Air Force,
Turkish Air Force,Turkish Naval Forces,Turkish Land Forces,
United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence Force

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing
Last updated: 8th May 2025

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

Latest updates

"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,
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.

A smaller, but just as exciting, addition to the static display comes in the form of a MD-500 helicopter from the Finnish Army.

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."

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing Last updated: 15th May 2025

...mostly Dutch updates....

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

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.

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.

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.

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing Last updated: 23th May 2025

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

Latest updates

Starting this week with another Apache coming to RIAT25 to join our celebration of the type's 50th anniversary;
this time from Qatar!

We're very pleased to welcome an AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, which wears spectacular desert camouflage colour scheme and will likely be the star of our APACHE50 static line-up.
In addition, we'll also be welcoming back their huge Globemaster, plus Hawk & Typhoon.

For the first time since 2016, we're extremely pleased to welcome an aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force to the show.
We'll be welcoming their Boeing 757 for static display at the show, with the plan for the aircraft to be parked near the centre of the showground and therefore visible on all three days of the show.
This will likely be the final appearance from this classic airliner, as it's due to be replaced in RNZAF service in the coming years, so one not to miss.

This week we can also add the first of our Royal Air Force training aircraft which will be on static display at RIAT25,
in the shape of Hawk, Prefect & Tutor.
More to come from the Royal Air Force in the coming weeks..!

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing Last updated: 29th May 2025

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

This week we're pleased to announce two more flying displays for RIAT25!

We have now had confirmation from the Czech Air Force that their SAAB Gripen will be available for the show (in addition to their previously announced aircraft) and it will be performing in the flying display on Saturday & Sunday.

We have also heard from Slovenia, who plan to send their Pilatus PC-9M to perform in the flying display.
We will also welcome another PC-9M and their C-27J Spartan for static display too.

Two more Royal Air Force training aircraft will also join the static displays, with the Phenom from RAF Cranwell and Juno from RAF Shawbury both now confirmed to participate at RIAT25.
Due to their flying training schedule, the Jupiter helicopter (also based at RAF Shawbury) will not be able to attend this year sadly.

Also this week, we're pleased to update you all that following discussions with the Italian Air Force and Finnish Air Force,
their participation at RIAT is still going ahead despite incidents earlier in the year.

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Aircraft listing Last updated: 5th Jun 2025

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

Firstly, we're excited to confirm what will be one of the highlights of the flying display programme courtesy of the French Navy,
with a rare appearance from their Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft.

This aircraft will be coming from Flottille 23F, based at BAN Lann-Bihoué,
and will be performing in the flying display on both Saturday and Sunday.

We're very pleased to be welcoming the rare Grob 520 Ergrett to join the static displays.
This is one of the world’s largest fully composite manned aircraft with extremely high aspect ratio wings, perfect for high-altitude surveillance missions (like the U-2).

In addition, we'll also have their Grob 120TP on static display.
These aircraft will be parked together near the centre of the showground and visible on all three days.

Also as part of our Eyes in the Skies theme, we're pleased to be welcoming a CP-140M Aurora from the Royal Canadian Air Force!
This will likely be the last visit of an Aurora to RIAT as they approach their retirement from Canadian service,
due to be replaced by the Poseidon.
Our Canadian friends will also send a CC-130J Hercules to join the static displays.

Appearing at the Air Tattoo for the first time in two decades, we're very pleased to welcome the Guardia Costiera back to RIAT, with their ATR 42 aircraft joining our 'Eyes in the Skies' static display line-up.

In a similar fashion, we're pleased that His Majesty's Coastguard will be returning to RIAT,
with one of their Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters joining the static display.

Our current plan is for the search and rescue helicopters to be parked together in a themed area alongside ground displays.

Finally, we're pleased to be welcoming one of the Royal Air Force's newest aircraft to RIAT for the first time.

The Envoy IV, flown by 32 Squadron at RAF Northolt, will be joining the static display line-up.

Dassault Envoy IV CC.1

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... -aircraft/

Last updated: 12th Jun 2025

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

This week we're pleased to confirm the participation of the Royal Air Force's Chinook Role Demo at RIAT25!
Similarly to last year, this will be an operationally focused role demonstration,
which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and we expect an HC.5 airframe to be used again.

Discussions are ongoing regarding other aircraft from the Joint Aviation Command.

We can now confirm our 3rd Apache for our 50th-anniversary line-up at RIAT25, this time from the US Army.

They'll be sending one of their new AH-64E Apache Guardians, from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade based in Germany.
This is the first time we've welcomed an aircraft from the US Army to RIAT since 2015,
so we're very pleased to welcome them back to RAF Fairford in July.

There are three additions to the static line from the Royal Air Force this week too;
with a pair of Typhoons and a Poseidon!
The Typhoons will come from 3(F) Squadron at RAF Coningsby and IX(B) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth.
We have asked the squadrons to bring jets which have squadron insignia applied
and if possible to fit inert weapons to demonstrate the Typhoon's array of capabilities.

In addition, as part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme, we're very pleased to welcome the Poseidon for static display.

with the addition of the Auster and Sioux from the Historic Army Aircraft Flight. These two aircraft will be parked alongside the previously announced R4D, C-47A and F-16BM
and accompanied by a ground display illustrating highlights and memories from the last 40 years of the Air Tattoo.

From the Royal Navy,
in addition to the previously announced Black Cats,
they will now also bring an additional Wildcat HMA.2 for static display.
We plan to park this alongside their Merlin, and other naval helicopters participating at RIAT.

Finally this week, we have a pair of Jet Provosts confirmed for the static display.

One aircraft, XW324, has been a regular participant to RIAT in previous years, however,
the other aircraft, XN459,
is adorned in Red Pelican's livery
and will be a bright addition to our classic jet static display which many visitors will have not seen previously.

[patrick dirksen]

A very, very nice update this week:

This week, we’re very excited to welcome a new nation to RIAT this year! We can confirm that the Egyptian Air Force will be joining us at RAF Fairford next month as our 59th nation with their Antonov An-74T Coaler on the static line up!
More additions to the static line up come from the Royal Netherlands Air Force with a pair of Chinooks, plus a C.16 Tifón from the Spanish Air and Space Force. Also, we can announce our fourth AH-64E Apache for static display from the Army Air Corps, as well as a Wildcat AH.1.
On the Friday only, we’re pleased to welcome the Army’s new display team with two Apaches and a Wildcat performing together accompanied by pyrotechnics.

Due to the Whirlwind being unable to attend, we’re pleased to confirm that Historic Helicopters will be sending their Sea King HAR.3 for the static display instead. Plus, a further Royal Air Force addition to the static display with the F-35B Lightning II, as well as a King Air 350 and Leonardo AW139 from QinetiQ.

To view every aircraft confirmed for RIAT25 so far visit our website: https://www.airtattoo.com/.../aircraf.. ... -aircraft/

[wolfhound32fs]

Next month SAAB will be returning to RAF Fairford with their Gripen E taking to the skies across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Back in 2023, the display came away with the Paul Bowen Trophy for Best Solo Jet Demonstration, so we are excited to see what they have planned this summer.

Elsewhere, we are set to welcome the world’s only airworthy FIAT G.91 to Gloucestershire, which will help us celebrate the past, present and future of the Italian Air Force as their iconic display team, Frecce Tricolori, marks their 65th anniversary this year. Further strengthening our Italian contingent, we have two Aermacchi MB-326 aircraft to join the static display.

Rounding off this week, we have more aircraft on the ground as part of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme, including two King Airs from Flight Precision Ltd and Metrea – who are also bringing their new Dash 8 Fireswift.

More aircraft to bolster the static lineup include a CASA C-295M from the Spanish Air and Space Force, a privately owned IAR-823, and Twin Otter from De Havilland Canada.

[BaasG]

This week we are very pleased to announce a huge array of American military aircraft which will be participating at RIAT25!

Starting with our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme, the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron will have two of their U-2 aircraft on display for RIAT25. We're very excited to see their iconic Dragon Lady perform in the flying display on both Saturday & Sunday! They will also have another jet on static display, visible on all three days of the show. Parked alongside the U-2 on static display will be an RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft from the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron. Appearing at an Air Tattoo for the first time since 2012, we're pleased to welcome the huge C-5 Galaxy to RIAT25! This huge jet will be the centrepiece of the US DOD static displays in the southwest loop on Saturday and Sunday, and is a sight not to be missed. Also, a jet making a welcome return to the show is the B-1B Lancer, known as the Bone! Other USAF assets on static display will include the C-21A, F-35A, KC-46A and MC-130J. We will also have a KC-135 from RAF Mildenhall, this will be appearing as part of our theme marking 40 years of the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford we are hoping the airframe on static display will be registration 59-1511, as this airframe was present at Air Tattoo 1985 and is still in service today.

In addition to the American additions, this week we can also add the Italian Army to the RIAT25 line-up. They'll be bringing their UH-169B for static display and also have their Avanti visiting during the week. Finally, we add aircraft from Gulfstream and Pilatus which will be on static display in 'showcase' locations near the centre of the showground. This will include Gulfstream's new G600, plus a PC-21 and PC-24 from Switzerland.

Next week we will be announcing plans for special flypasts to be conducted on Friday, Saturday & Sunday of RIAT25.

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/a ... t-updates/

[joseluiscel]

More than probably Spanish two seater Harrier won't be able to attend RIAT. Had some engine problem at San Javier for AIRE25 and repairs will take some time.

[BaasG]

Our final 'Takeoff Thursday' update has something for everyone to get excited for RIAT25...

We're extremely excited to announce that the Pakistan Air Force will be bringing their new JF-17 Thunder (Block III) jets to RIAT for the first time! These indigenous fighter jets have only been seen in the UK once before (back in 2010) so will be a highlight of the static display for aviation enthusiasts. There will be a pair of JF-17s, both from 8 Squadron, parked alongside a C-130E Hercules from 6 Squadron. The Pakistan Air Force's deployment to the UK will be supported by an IL-78 tanker, however, this jet from 10 Squadron won't be joining the static display.

Whilst Pakistan are bringing the Thunder, the Royal Air Force will be bringing the Lightning on the Friday of RIAT25! We're pleased that despite their high operational temp on Operation Highmast, RAF Marham will be sending one of their F-35B Lightning II jets to perform a flypast and hover as part of the Friday flying display. In addition to the F-35B, as part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme we're pleased to announce a trio of special Royal Air Force flypasts: Friday visitors will get a glimpse of the RAF's newest aircraft in the skies over RAF Fairford - the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail making its public debut! The Wedgetail will be appearing to perform a very special flypast, in formation with the Red Arrows and will also perform a solo flypast. We will also see a Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint performing a flypast on Friday. For visitors on Saturday & Sunday, they'll get the chance to see the P-8A Poseidon in the air, both in formation with the Red Arrows and performing a solo flypast.

Further additions to the flying display this week, with a very special appearance from the United States Air Force. In addition to the static display (announced last week), we're also very pleased to see a B-1B Lancer performing a flypast, as part of Bomber Task Force (Europe) missions, on Friday & Saturday of RIAT25. This jet will launch from RAF Fairford to perform the flypasts, but is not available to do so on the Sunday. Whilst we acknowledge this may be disappointing to those of you coming on the Sunday, we're still very thankful to the 37th Bomb Squadron for providing what will be the first appearance of the Lancer in the air at RIAT since 2007. We can also this week add an F-15E Strike Eagle, from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, to the static display in addition to the other USAFE assets announced last week.

Thank you to our neighbours at RAF Brize Norton for two final additions to the Royal Air Force line-up at RIAT. Firstly, for visitors on Sunday, they will be providing a C-17 Globemaster, from 99 Squadron, to perform a flypast. And we'll also have an Airbus A400M on static display as the centrepiece of the RAF Experience, on all three days of the show.

Finally, two more 'Eyes in the Skies' aircraft are coming from Airtask, in the space of their Cessna F406 Vigilant and their Dash-8 operated in conjunction with PAL Aerospace.

Some hot off the press snippets of information this week... It is possible the Italian Army may bring their Dornier 228 instead of their Avanti, acting as a visiting aircraft and not on static display. In addition, we should have military aircraft from France, Switzerland, the USA and possibly Germany visiting RIAT during the week to drop off / collect VIP passengers.

Now... roll on RIAT25..!

[SquAdmin]

The tickets for the departures days are all sold out on the official RIAT website. Does anyone know if tickets are still being sold on the day itself and if so, does that include a parking spot for your car?

My last RIAT was 7 years ago, so I'm not entirely up-to-date...