Day two of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 wrapped up with the Royal Air Force’s new E-7 Wedgetail making its first airshow appearance in formation with the Red Arrows.
Over the weekend the RAF has demonstrated its ability to protect the skies and continue to be operationally ready.
In the air, across the airfield, and in the RAF Experience zone, the RAF has been highlighting its capability through its aircraft, its people, its equipment and its cutting-edge systems.
RIAT is a place to celebrate aviation. For the RAF, it’s also a chance to show how our aircraft and systems protect the UK, both at home and on operations, support allies, and respond to crises. From fast jets to fuel tankers, radars and radios, the RAF is always ready to fly and fight.
At RIAT 2025, our capability is displayed on the tarmac, flying complex air demonstration missions and by our personnel, who enable us to deploy worldwide and work with allies.
Fast jets, Big Missions
The centrepiece of the RAF’s combat flying demonstrations remains the 4th and 5th generation assets, Typhoon FGR4 and The F-35B Lightning, delivering their cutting-edge high-performance manoeuvres to more than 175,000 spectators over three days. It protects the skies and helps our partners in other countries but at RIAT, it wowed the vast crowds courtesy of the Typhoon Display Team with an outstanding display of speed, power and agility.
Moving People and Supplies
Whilst displays and fast jets receive the cheers, there is plenty more to entertain the crowds on the ground. The RAF A400M Atlas is centre stage of the RAF Experience, and a perfect example of modern multi-role capability. It arrived earlier in the week transporting RAF personnel and several lucky RAF Air Cadets, showcasing lift capability in action.
Away from RIAT, the A400M has been involved in numerous recent missions including supporting operations in the Middle East, evacuating British nationals from Israel to Cyprus and conducting humanitarian aid deliveries, and participating in exercises and training.
Together, our aircraft define the RAF’s ability to project power, support allies, and respond globally.
Working together
Modern missions are not done alone. RAF capability means working in partnership with the Army, Royal Navy and allied nations. All the aircraft, systems and operations are designed to work collaboratively, whether in the air, on the ground, at sea, or in space and cyberspace.
As the weekend draws to a close, one thing is certain: every part of the RAF has a role to play, and together, they keep us safe.
