ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jet is participating for the first time in the United Kingdom’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), world’s largest military airshow, officials confirmed Thursday.

A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), including the JF-17 Thunder Block-III and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford to take part in RIAT 2025, the PAF said in a statement.

Pakistan has been a regular participant in the event since 2006.

“The PAF’s participation in RIAT, one of the world’s largest military airshows, underscores its commitment to showcasing professional excellence, operational capabilities and the indigenous strength of Pakistan’s aviation industry,” the statement said.

The JF-17 Thunder Block-III is a multirole, 4.5-generation fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China. The PAF formally inducted the Block-II dual-seat variant in 2020 and began local production shortly afterward.

This year’s spotlight is on the Block-III variant, which has reportedly been used alongside Chinese-made J-10C jets in recent Pakistan-India hostilities.

“There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent Pakistan-India conflict, as aviation enthusiasts and defense observers were eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the JF-17 Thunder Block-III,” the PAF said.

The aircraft’s combat capabilities have drawn global attention, making its RIAT debut a highlight of this year’s show.

During its journey to the UK, the JF-17s conducted successful air-to-air refueling operations with the support of a PAF IL-78 tanker, demonstrating the air force’s extended operational reach.