The JF-17 Thunder was among the highlights of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took part in this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) with the JF-17 Thunder Block III multirole fighter. The appearance marked the first time the Block III variant, also known as JF-17C, was presented to the public in the United Kingdom, and its participation was recognized with the “Spirit of the Meet” trophy, awarded annually to the aircraft or team that best represents the ethos and energy of RIAT.
The JF-17 Block III is the latest and most capable evolution of the aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Key upgrades include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, reportedly the KLJ-7A, a wide-angle holographic Head-Up Display, a helmet-mounted display and sight system, an upgraded electronic warfare suite, and a new glass cockpit. The type is also compatible with a range of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, including the PL-15, and a variety of air-to-surface munitions. With these enhancements, the Block III variant brings the JF-17 closer to 4.5-generation performance standards.
Possible public debut of the PL-15, well PL-15E in full size form anyway on the Pakistan Air Force JF-17 #Thunder here at @airtattoo #RIAT2025 pic.twitter.com/IcCsKzxsRI
— Tony Osborne (@Rotorfocus) July 18, 2025
“Winning these prestigious awards is a testament to our professionalism, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who congratulated the PAF contingent on its performance, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“Keeping the nation’s flag high has always been the hallmark of Pakistan Air Force,” he added.
The two JF-17s, including one sporting a special color scheme, flew from Turkey to the UK with support on another quite rare aircraft, the PAF Il-78MP Midas, in what was their longest-ever journey with air-to-air refueling.
The Pakistan Air Force JF-17C Thunder🇵🇰 with its Il-78 tanker about 20 miles out heading for #RIAT25 today.@thenewarea51 @Andyyyyrrrr @ForumStrategic pic.twitter.com/CnFCzx6ggm
— Saint1 (@Saint1Mil) July 16, 2025
This year’s award marks a rare recognition for the JF-17, which has previously appeared at RIAT in its Block I and II configurations. The type made a visit to the UK for Farnborough International Airshow in 2010, though this is the first instance of the Block III being exhibited outside Pakistan and China.
Everyone’s fingers will be crossed that the much anticipated visit by Two #PakistanAirForce JF-17C Block III’s and their support to RAF Fairford and RIAT 2025 goes to plan.
The last occasion that Pakistan Air Force JF-17’s visited the UK was in July 2010 at the Farnborough… pic.twitter.com/0AcyEGbFyt
— PAF Falcons (@PAFFalconsPK) July 15, 2025
The first prototype of the JF-17 Block III, made its maiden flight in January 2020, with initial deliveries to the Pakistan Air Force beginning in 2023. Official figures on how many Block III aircraft are currently operational remain unclear, mostly because of the ongoing upgrades of earlier Block I and II airframes to the latest configuration.
Since its induction, the JF-17 has been employed in various operational scenarios, including domestic counter-terrorism operations and air defense missions. The aircraft has also featured in regional tensions, most notably during recurring standoffs with India.
In light of the current tensions between Pakistan and India, the PAF has decided to release photos of the JF-17C with PL-10 and PL-15 for the first time.
via @OSPSF pic.twitter.com/DM93MnPPYk
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 26, 2025
According to official Pakistani sources, JF-17s and J-10C fighters equipped with PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles were used in joint operations that reportedly resulted in the downing of several Indian Air Force assets, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, and MiG-29 aircraft. However, as we reported in detail at The Aviationist, during the May 2025 clash between India and Pakistan, the information environment was marked by conflicting claims and widespread disinformation.
While social media circulated supposed imagery of downed aircraft and missile remnants, our analysis of the available open-source intelligence raised questions about the reliability of those narratives and the attribution of losses.
Recovered parts of PL-15 within Indian-controlled territory suggest that multiple long-range missiles were employed, but may also indicate a relatively low probability of kill at extended ranges. Despite the extensive missile use, independent analysts have cautioned that definitive conclusions about system performance remain premature.
Wreckage of a Pakistan-launched PL-15 missile was discovered in Hoshiarpur, India. https://t.co/dPCYi4hx8Z pic.twitter.com/egramTPeC5
— 笑脸男人 (@lfx160219) May 8, 2025
Anyway, the May 2025 confrontation captured international attention due to the deployment of a wide range of capabilities by both sides. Pakistan is believed to have used a networked force package comprising JF-17s, J-10Cs, electronic warfare assets, and airborne early warning platforms. In contrast, India launched Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military campaign that, according to New Delhi, succeeded in targeting terrorist infrastructure in areas under Pakistani control.
Still, the outcome of the conflict remains contested. While Islamabad has claimed the engagements demonstrated Pakistan’s airpower advantage over India, Indian defense officials maintain that their objectives were achieved and emphasize the effectiveness of their integrated air and ground response.
Special colored C-130H
In addition to the JF-17s and the Il-78MP, the Pakistan Air Force also brought a C-130H Hercules, which was presented in a special livery designed for RIAT’s 2025 theme, “Eyes in the Skies.” The artwork featured stylized radar imagery and a motif symbolizing airborne surveillance and reconnaissance. The aircraft was awarded the “Concours d’Elegance” trophy, presented to the best-presented and maintained aircraft at the show.
PAF’s No. 6 Squadron C-130 to representing Pakistan at RIAT 2025. pic.twitter.com/zRvZPbB8BI
— Amin Zuberi 🇵🇰 🇱🇾 (@Amin_Zuberi) July 16, 2025
