Pakistani 'flyboys' honour Operation Zarb-i-Azb in skies over United Kingdom

E-Paper | April 25, 2026

The Pakistan Air Force is participating in Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) show with its C130 Hercules painted with the mural depicting Operation Zarb-i-Azb.

The RIAT show, one of the UK's premier events and the world's largest military air show, is being held from July 8-10 RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

During the air show, the Pakistani pilots manoeuvred the aircraft in the skies over United Kingdom (UK) paying tribute to the sacrifices rendered by Pakistani army and citizens in the ongoing war against terrorism.

PAF C-130 in the Royal Skies. #pakistan #paf #pakistanairforce #pakarmy #pakistandefence #airforce #jf17 #airshow #skyporn #islamabad #airplanes #aero #lahore #instaaviation #aircraft #plane #spotting #planeporn #aviation #airplane #iinskyy #pilot #fly #dawndotcom #instaplane #boeing #jet #instagramaviation #riat

A photo posted by Pakistan Air force officers (@paf_officers) on Jul 8, 2016 at 2:19am PDT

Pakistan Air Force 'painted' C130 Hercules in the Royal skies of United Kingdom (UK) during Royal International Air Tattoo Show (RIAT) at RAF Base Fairford, UK. Pakistan Air Force Zindabad. Pakistan Hamesha Paindabad. #pakistan #paf #pakistanairforce #pakarmy #pakistandefence #airforce #jf17 #airshow #skyporn #islamabad #airplanes #aero #lahore #instaaviation #aircraft #plane #spotting #planeporn #aviation #royalairforce #iinskyy #pilot #fly #dawndotcom #instaplane #boeing #jet #instagramaviation #riat

A photo posted by Pakistan Air force officers (@paf_officers) on Jul 8, 2016 at 2:34am PDT

PAF C-130 in the Royal Skies for international air tattoo show Operation zarb e azb painted on the tail #pakistan #paf #pakistanairforce #pakarmy #pakistandefence #airforce #jf17 #airshow #skyporn #islamabad #airplanes #aero #lahore #instaaviation #aircraft #plane #spotting #planeporn #aviation #airplane #iinskyy #pilot #fly #dawndotcom #instaplane #boeing #jet #instagramaviation #riat

A photo posted by Pakistan Air force officers (@paf_officers) on Jul 8, 2016 at 2:20am PDT

#pakistan #paf #pakistanairforce #pakarmy #pakistandefence #airforce #jf17 #airshow #skyporn #islamabad #airplanes #aero #lahore #instaaviation #aircraft #plane #spotting #planeporn #aviation #airplane #iinskyy #pilot #fly #dawndotcom #instaplane #boeing #jet #instagramaviation #riat

A photo posted by Pakistan Air force officers (@paf_officers) on Jul 8, 2016 at 6:29am PDT

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sohail

Jul 08, 2016 08:46pm

well done pak army we love you

Recommend 0

Khilari

Jul 08, 2016 08:45pm

Proud of you PAF! Salute to all martyrs and ghazis of Zarb e Azb.

Recommend 0

sheraz

Jul 08, 2016 08:53pm

long live pakistan. Long live Pakistan armed forces.

Recommend 0

amrt_us

Jul 08, 2016 08:54pm

Beautiful pictures, great job.

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irfice

Jul 08, 2016 08:55pm

Awesome !!!

Recommend 0

Faith

Jul 08, 2016 08:54pm

Waooo great art work...WE ARE PROUD OF YOU ALL....GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS

Recommend 0

anony

Jul 08, 2016 09:00pm

Excellent. Long live Pak Air FOrce. Long live Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Sohail Wazir

Jul 08, 2016 09:02pm

Pride of the nation. Pak airforce

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ProPak

Jul 08, 2016 09:08pm

that is call an educated response. great army. this tail is a silent killer

Recommend 0

Naheed

Jul 08, 2016 09:15pm

Excellent. Keep it up blues.

Recommend 0

Desi Dimag

Jul 08, 2016 09:37pm

Only publicity is not enough, terrorists are still large.

Recommend 0

Noorfatimah

Jul 08, 2016 09:52pm

MashaAllah, Pakistan Zindaabaad (Long live Paksitan), Pakistan Army Paainidabaad (Shine in glory everlasting)

Recommend 0

Shahid

Jul 08, 2016 09:55pm

Salutes to worlds best pilots.

Recommend 0

lafanga

Jul 08, 2016 10:03pm

Long live Pakistan air force. 1000 salutes to you.

Recommend 0

Roy

Jul 08, 2016 10:07pm

Good but not representing anything about the ground forces who have the maximum number of sacrifices and even still serve at the most terrible and troubled areas under the harshest conditions of weather and the enemy! Plus the bottom right corner is much darker , not that legible.

Recommend 0

A shah

Jul 08, 2016 10:13pm

Indians must be shaking in their boots

Recommend 0

Zak

Jul 08, 2016 10:22pm

Pakistan Army and Airforce is unmatched in skill, temperament and agility.

Recommend 0

Khyber

Jul 08, 2016 10:28pm

Bald eagle on a Pakistani plane? It's native to north America and is not found in Pakistan. It's the national bird of USA. I appreciate the gesture but how could they make such a mistake?

Recommend 0

Zakir Naik

Jul 08, 2016 10:43pm

@A shah by seeing tattoo?

Recommend 0

TEENA

Jul 08, 2016 10:43pm

I am so proud to b a Pakistani

Recommend 0

Kashmiri

Jul 08, 2016 11:34pm

Why US plane, why not display JF series plane that China is making for pakistan ?

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Another Indian sri1

Jul 08, 2016 11:44pm

@A shah "Indians must be shaking in their boots" Ohh absolutely, just like some US pilots did during COPE exercises between IAF pilots and American aces more than ten years back! - https://theaviationist.com/2014/05/02/cope-india-2004-results/

Recommend 0

Zak

Jul 09, 2016 12:36am

The world is in awe of the PAF display, everyone is impressed only one country is jealous with envy.only one. See their comments.

Recommend 0

Jul 09, 2016 12:46am

Love you PAF. 2nd to none

Recommend 0

Jul 09, 2016 12:49am

@Khyber please dont' forget IQBAL ka shaeen

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brr

Jul 09, 2016 01:02am

Makes no sense to go to some show in UK and fly around and claim it is some tribute to some event somewhere else. So silly.

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brr

Jul 09, 2016 01:03am

And whats with that Bald Eagle / Golden eagle - the US would love such support / advertisement.

Recommend 0

Safir siddiqui

Jul 09, 2016 02:00am

The Shuhdas of Zarb-Azb deserves glowing tribute because they have sacrificed their lives for the cause of our beloved country.It is they who have crushed terrorism from North Waziristan.The gallant air force by painting mural of Operation Zarb-e-Azb on the tail of their C-130 and maneuvering it in British skies have earned the respect,admiration and love of the people of Pakistan.Hats of to PAF.Such initiative draws instant inspiration and stimulant to join the armed forces of Pakistan by our youths without any hesitation.Tu Shaheen hay Basera kar Paharon ki Chattano par par!!!!!!!!!!.

Recommend 0

N. Rahim -- Toronto

Jul 09, 2016 03:52am

@Roy You have to pick on anything and every the Pakistani's do. Anyways, see picture # 4. It has the Pak Army soldiers!

Recommend 0

AntiZak

Jul 09, 2016 04:48am

@Zak ummmmm.....not against the Americans though. Careful with your words because you may not be able to back them up. Stick to reality for your own good.

Recommend 0

Pak Patriot

Jul 09, 2016 05:26am

As usual PAF Pilots .......you make us proud. Keep the Green-White flag flying high.

Recommend 0

Hemant

Jul 09, 2016 05:30am

McCain said do more do more Do more in Pakistan not in UK!!!!

Recommend 0

Rohit

Jul 09, 2016 07:20am

Indians must be shaking in their boots@A shah Because of a paint job?

Recommend 0

Shailesh

Jul 09, 2016 07:49am

@A shah why?

Recommend 0

Praveen

Jul 09, 2016 07:50am

@Khyber coz the paint for that is bought with american money.

Recommend 0

IBMX

Jul 09, 2016 07:56am

Indians are waving the white flag , giving up !

Recommend 0

Dinesh

Jul 09, 2016 08:10am

@A shah Pakistan must be the most self admiring nation in the world

Recommend 0

Sunny1r

Jul 09, 2016 08:22am

http://airshowinfo.hu/en/riat16.html

Recommend 0

Kaka ji

Jul 09, 2016 09:46am

@Khyber. It's Shaheen. Symbol of PAF!

Recommend 0

Gullu4u

Jul 09, 2016 10:29am

Can you spot the haters commenting on this amazing article. Just skip a couple of comments. You will see the comments, the burn is strong with these guys. Awesome job PAF.

Recommend 0

Farrukh Sarfraz

Jul 09, 2016 11:03am

You make us proud and we salute you for your valour, commitment and sacrifices.

Recommend 0

amir_indian

Jul 09, 2016 11:08am

PM Modi thanked President Zuma for South Africa's support to India's bid for membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG

Recommend 0

amir_indian

Jul 09, 2016 11:07am

South Africa has been vocal on the need to reform the UN Security Council, making it a natural ally in India's campaign to be made a permanent member.

Recommend 0

amir_indian

Jul 09, 2016 11:07am

In South Africa, PM Modi will also honour the 20 years that Mahatma Gandhi spent in the country. He reached Durban today, the heart of the Indian community in the country. He will next visit Tanzania and Kenya.

Recommend 0

amir_indian

Jul 09, 2016 11:09am

PM Modi's first stop was Mozambique, where India handed over 30 Mahindra SUVs to the government, completing the delivery of $4.5 million grant assistance as part of supporting institutions in the African country.

Recommend 0

Rainman

Jul 09, 2016 11:09am

@Khyber Its symbolism without proper research. I think the painter mixed up Shaheen with Bald Eagle. Shaheen is a falcon but it's not having a white head.

Recommend 0

amir_indian

Jul 09, 2016 11:11am

PM Modi will visit UN Office in Kenya, and also addressed Kenya University students built by India.

Recommend 0

Milan Bhise

Jul 09, 2016 11:33am

Beautiful pictures... thanks Dawn. Nice colourful tail ... looks good.

Recommend 0

Likeitornot

Jul 11, 2016 09:01am

Congrats PAF. Great job.

Recommend 0

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