Over 800 Royal Air Force Air Cadets from across the UK came together to support the world’s largest military airshow — the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 — held at RAF Fairford. As part of their annual national camp, cadets and adult volunteers played a key role in delivering the event, while enjoying exclusive access to aircraft and aircrew from around the world.
Cadets assisted members of the public in viewing enclosures, welcomed international aircrews, and stood proudly as honour guards for VIP guests. Their professionalism and enthusiasm were a vital part of the RIAT experience.
Wing Commander Ollie Dalton, Officer Commanding RIAT Support Pillar 2025, praised the professionalism, service, and enthusiasm of the cadets and adult volunteers, highlighting the success of the camp in developing teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while supporting a charitable cause.
Two weeks before the airshow, around 200 cadets and staff arrived early as part of the Extended Camp, transforming an empty field into the iconic “tent city” — ready to host the 600 cadets and staff arriving for the main camp.
This year saw the newly formed national logistics team ensure all national assets were in place to ensure a smooth build of the campsite.
The Extended Camp was split into two specialist teams:
- Build Team – Set up the entire cadet campsite, including accommodation and facilities.
- Rangers – Worked alongside RIAT volunteers to deliver operational safety tasks across the showground.
In a unique and memorable experience, 12 RAF Air Cadets flew into RAF Fairford aboard an A400M Atlas, marking a spectacular start to their RIAT journey.
On the Monday following the airshow, 30 cadets boarded the same aircraft for a flight to RAF Brize Norton, concluding their week with an unforgettable airborne farewell.
This year’s theme, “Eyes in the Skies,” focused on the vital role of airborne surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering in modern defence.
Cadets witnessed cutting-edge aircraft and systems in action — including the E-7 Wedgetail and other surveillance platforms — showcasing how air power supports global situational awareness and operational readiness.
The RAF Experience was a popular destination, offering insights into RAF careers and a lively marketplace for trading patches, stickers, and memorabilia.
