July 20, 2025 – Aviation News — The final day of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 at RAF Fairford saw steady rainfall after a Met Office alert warned of possible thunderstorms and heavy showers in the region.
Although the worst of the storm bypassed the event, persistent rain created soggy ground conditions. Still, the weather didn’t stop the crowds—hundreds of thousands of aviation fans turned out to witness the final day of the world-renowned airshow.
Volunteers noted that in wet conditions, the primary concern isn’t aircraft, but parking logistics. “People always bring up 2008, when the car parks completely flooded,” one volunteer recalled.
This year’s main theme, “Eyes in the Skies,” showcased surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft such as the Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint and the E-3 Sentry from the NATO and French Air Forces. A secondary theme on sustainability saw the Red Arrows perform using sustainable aviation fuel.
Pakistan made a strong impression with its latest JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets and a specially painted C-130 Hercules. The Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 made its public debut, performing its first-ever flypast in formation with the Red Arrows, followed by a ‘touch and go’ landing before returning to Birmingham Airport.
Another highlight was the Fiat G.91—the world’s only airworthy example—restored for the Italian Air Force centenary in 2023. Painted in Frecce Tricolori colors, it performed an elegant flying display.
Photo Steve Morris
