Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder 4.5 GENRATION Block III Fighters Arrive in the United Kingdom to Take Part in RIAT 2025

Defence affairs - zona militar analysis 

As part of its participation in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, which will begin on July 18, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has deployed a significant detachment of aircraft, including two JF-17C Thunder Block III fighters, which have recently arrived in the United Kingdom.

Developed through an industrial partnership with the People’s Republic of China, the JF-17 Thunder is one of the most advanced fighter jets in service with the Pakistan Air Force, having recently introduced its most modern variant, designated as “Block III.” These combat aircraft are leading the detachment that will take part in both static and flying displays at RIAT 2025, which will be held from July 18 to 20 at RAF Fairford.

The arrival of the aircraft was highlighted by the Pakistan Air Force through its social media channels, reporting the deployment of two JF-17Cs. Specifically, the fighters, tail numbers 23-323 and 23-319, belong to PAF’s No. 8 Squadron, nicknamed “Haiders.” One of the aircraft, “323,” features a special commemorative livery for the Thunder’s presentation in the United Kingdom.

Over the past few months, and prior to the recent conflict with India, Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets have participated in various combined and multinational exercises. For instance, during 2023 and 2024, the aircraft took part in aerial drills alongside assets and personnel from the air forces of Saudi Arabia, China, the United States, Egypt, and the United Kingdom. In these activities, the JF-17s operated alongside fighters such as British Eurofighters, Chinese J-10Cs, and U.S. and Egyptian F-16s.

Returning to PAF’s presence in the United Kingdom, its participation will not be limited to the JF-17C fighters. The service has also deployed support assets that will be on display at RAF Fairford, including a C-130E Hercules from No. 6 “Antelope” Squadron and an Ilyushin Il-78 “Midas” aerial refueling aircraft from No. 10 “Bulls” Squadron. The latter was responsible for conducting refueling operations for the Thunder jets during several legs of their journey.

Finally, the Pakistan Air Force has emphasized that its participation in RIAT 2025 “… highlights the PAF’s commitment to demonstrating its professional excellence, operational capability, and the strength of its national aviation industry.”

They added: “There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent Pakistan-India conflict, as aviation enthusiasts and defense observers eagerly awaited the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder Block III. The aircraft’s combat-proven capabilities and operational excellence have attracted significant global attention, making its presence at RIAT one of the most anticipated highlights within the aerospace and defense community.”