The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is set to take off in less than two weeks, promising an exhilarating showcase of aviation prowess. Known as the world’s largest military air show, this year’s event centers on the operational theme “Eyes in the Skies.” RIAT 2025 will honor aviation’s critical contributions to aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence, and surveillance.
This summer also marks a special milestone: 40 years since RIAT found its home at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, starting from 1985. To commemorate this rich heritage, a dedicated Heritage Centre will be featured on the showground, offering timelines and photo exhibitions capturing decades of airshow history and visitor memories.
Adding to the celebrations, Boeing’s Apache attack helicopter turns 50 this year. RIAT plans to feature a spectacular lineup of Apaches from various nations, paying tribute to five decades of this iconic aircraft’s service.
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Below is the comprehensive list of all confirmed aircraft across military and civilian operators participating in the weekend event starting July 18:
Army Air Corps: Boeing Apache AH.2 (static & flying), Leonardo Wildcat AH.1 (static & flying)
Belgian Air Component: Airbus A400M Atlas, F-16BM Fighting Falcon
Royal Canadian Air Force: Lockheed CP-140M Aurora, CC-130J Hercules
Civilian Fleet: A diverse collection including Aermacchi MB-326, Supermarine Spitfires, Beechcraft King Air variants, and classic jets such as BAC Jet Provost T.3A & T.5
Czech Air Force: Aero Vodochody L-159 ALCA, CASA C-295, LET L-410FG Turbolet
Royal Danish Air Force: F-16AM Fighting Falcon
Finnish Forces: F/A-18C Hornet, CASA C-295M, MD Helicopters MD-500E Defender
French Air & Space Force: Boeing E-3F Sentry
French Navy: Bréguet Atlantique 2
German Air Force & Army: Airbus A400M, C-130J Hercules, Panavia Tornado IDS & ECR, NHIndustries NH90 TTH
German Navy: Westland Sea Lynx Mk.88
Hellenic Air Force: Dassault Mirage 2000-5BG/EG
Hungarian Air Force: Airbus Helicopters H225M
Irish Air Corps: Eurocopter EC135 & Leonardo AW139, Pilatus PC-12NG
Italian Air Force & Army: Aermacchi MB-339 PAN, Eurofighter Typhoon, Leonardo C-27J Spartan, HH-139B, T-346A Master
Italian Coast Guard: ATR 42MP Surveyor
Royal Jordanian Air Force: Extra 330LX (flying team), Lockheed C-130H Hercules
Lithuanian Air Force: Airbus Helicopters AS365N3+ Dauphin
Royal Netherlands Air Force: Airbus A330 MRTT, Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian, Chinook, NHIndustries NH90 NFH, Pilatus PC-7
Royal New Zealand Air Force: Boeing 757-2K2
Polish, Portuguese, Qatari, Royal Air Force (UK), Royal Navy (UK), Slovak Air Force, Slovenian Armed Forces, Spanish Air Force & Navy, Swedish Air Force, United States Air Force & Army: A wide variety of sophisticated aircraft including F-16, F-35 Lightning II, Hawk jets, Typhoons, Chinooks, Apache Guardians, and heavy airlifters like the C-130 and C-17.
RIAT 2025 promises a spectacular convergence of the world’s most advanced and historic aircraft, showcasing aviation’s indispensable role in modern military operations and humanitarian missions worldwide.