RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Air Force contingent with JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft landed in the UK on Thursday to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The aircraft, accompanied by a C-130 Hercules transport plane, arrived at Royal Air Force Base Fairford for what is considered one of the world’s largest military airshows.

The participation “underscores Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to showcasing its professional excellence, operational capability and the indigenous strength of its aviation industry,” the ISPR said in a news release.

En route to the United Kingdom, the JF-17 jets executed air-to-air refuelling operations with a PAF IL-78 tanker.

The military said the manoeuvre demonstrated the air force’s “long-range operational capabilities and the proficiency of its air and ground crew in conducting extended operations beyond national borders”.

The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet equipped with an advanced radar and long-range, beyond-visual-range missiles capable of undertaking a wide variety of combat missions.

“There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom… as aviation enthusiasts and defence observers are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III,” the press release said.

“The aircraft’s combat-proven capabilities and operational excellence have garnered significant global attention, making its appearance at RIAT a highly anticipated highlight in the aerospace and defense community.”

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2025