Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 General Discussion Thread

[jasonT1981]

Not so much here, but over-all I am actually surprised by the reaction to todays update from some

FB complaining about Spitfires flying(yes, really) because they are not fast and loud and people complaining the Mirage's are not F4s.

I really liked todays update.

Of course Phantom's are always welcomed by us at RIAT but we have been VERY fortunate with Phantoms over the last few years having them in 2017, 2019, 2023 & a spectacular showing in 2024 with 4 Phantoms on static and an absolutely wonderful series of flypasts on the Friday.

Greek Mirage's? When was the last time we had one in the UK, let alone 2 of them together at an airshow? A very rare catch indeed.

[The Star of Woo]

From memory, there was a single Greek Mirage 2000 on static at The Boscombe Air show in 1990. It came for the special 'Battle of Britain Salute'. So technically it has been to RIAT, although at that time it was IAT.

[Red Dragon]

There was a Mirage 2000 at a Waddington Show and a Leuchars show, on both occasions I'm sure it was airframe '215'

[Nighthawke]

Best hope the Greeks don't read those comments as they could say up yours and not bother to come after all. Then the moaners would really have something to complain about. Airhow organisers do need thick skins these days.

[luke28]

There was a Mirage 2000 at a Waddington Show and a Leuchars show, on both occasions I'm sure it was airframe '215'

201 was at Waddington 2000 and 2001. That's the only frame Ive seen.

[Nighthawke]

204 was the Boscombe 2-seat in 1990. Written off in 2011. Anyone remember the TA-7H at Mildenhall show in 1983 and Gulfstream I P-9 at Cambridge 1985? Only three active Greek mil I've seen.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

There was a Mirage 2000 at a Waddington Show and a Leuchars show, on both occasions I'm sure it was airframe '215'

I remember seeing it at Leuchars was awesome to see think it was mid 2000s?

That was also airframe 201

[slogen51]

Best hope the Greeks don't read those comments as they could say up yours and not bother to come after all. Then the moaners would really have something to complain about. Airhow organisers do need thick skins these days.

HAF Mirages is a superb update - beautiful aircraft and rare over here

Lovely

Just read the update notice - the Spanish SAR casa is also very nice

[binbrook87]

Lovely addition with the Greek Mirages, yes I think I saw one at Boscombe in 90 so it's been a long wait to see one again. Great work

[EASEDALE1999]

Last Greek Mirages I saw was at Malta Airshow 2015. Superb catch if they turn up.

[jasonT1981]

Catalina self confirm for RIAT. Doesn't say flying or static

https://www.catalina.org.uk/events/

[Flightline UK]

Catalina self confirm for RIAT. Doesn't say flying or static

https://www.catalina.org.uk/events/

Thursday 20th February:

Two familiar favourites are returning to the RIAT flying display this week!

Starting with our friends from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we will welcome the Royal Jordanian Falcons display team to perform in the flying display with their Extra 330LX aircraft. In addition, we will see the C-130H Hercules on static display. Following last year's debut of a newer airframe in grey colours, the intent is that for RIAT25 they will bring an aircraft painted in their traditional Jordanian camouflage pattern.

The German Army will return to RIAT with their NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters - one for the flying display and one available for closer inspection on static display.

Finally this week, two more static display additions as part of our Eyes in the Skies theme. Firstly from Italy, we'll welcome a Piaggio P.166C which is operated in civilian hands but painted in authentic Italian Air Force colours. We're also welcoming the Catalina, based at Duxford, back to RIAT after many years. Our aspiration is to park the Catalina on static display alongside examples of modern-day maritime patrol aircraft to offer an interesting historical/contemporary comparison.

[jasonT1981]

My memory is really getting terrible these days, I didn't remember it getting announced. Whoops.

[markranger]

Coteudelta posted that they are not displaying anywhere in 2025.

[Plane enthuiast]

This week's update is focused on a fantastic contribution from the Italian Air Force to RIAT25!

Starting with the flying display; we're pleased to welcome back the Frecce Tricolori to RAF Fairford to perform their iconic formation display routine. This year marks the team's 65th Anniversary and we're very pleased to be welcoming them in their iconic MB-339 aircraft back to RAF Fairford to paint the skies red, white and green. In addition, returning again are the Reparto Sperimentale Volo with solo flying displays from their C-27J Spartan, F-2000A Typhoon and T-346A Master which are always favourites at the show.

On the ground, we're pleased to welcome three aircraft for static display from the Italian Air Force which are all relevant for our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme. Only seen once before at RIAT, their Gulfstream E-550A airborne early warning aircraft and Leonardo P-72A maritime patrol aircraft are very welcome visitors to RIAT25. In addition, we will also have a HH-139 search and rescue helicopter, with the plan being for the helicopter which attends to be the specially marked airframe from 84° Centro SAR painted to celebrate the unit's 100th anniversary.

Also this week we've heard from France & Poland about their intent to participate at RIAT25, as well as continuing planning with the Royal Air Force for their aircraft which will feature on static display. As ever, come back next Thursday for more information!

[jasonT1981]

Great additions today, Italians contribution as always is fantastic.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Coteudelta posted that they are not displaying anywhere in 2025.

Where did you read that? As I've not heard anyone else say anything on any other sites or on here.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Great additions today, Italians contribution as always is fantastic.

It's wonderful support from the Italians Jason year on year they turn up and always give very enjoyable displays cannot wait to see them all again.

Will be good to hear what the French and Polish are sending, Hopefully Polish send an SU-22 for static before they are retired.

[jasonT1981]

Italian's are one of the biggest supporters of RIAT, always a fantastic turnout. Would love to see the SU-22. Do they still have the Mig 29s?

Coteudelta posted that they are not displaying anywhere in 2025.

Where did you read that? As I've not heard anyone else say anything on any other sites or on here.

Sadly it is true, they posted it on their instagram story yesterday stating they are being stood down, but will return and "will see us soon. Maybe 2026?"

[Thunder]

At least the Mirages will see first visit of a Hellenic single seat version to the UK and the twin seater again will be a first visit as none of the original batch were upgraded and removed from service.