The static display at RIAT 2025 provided audiences with an unparalleled opportunity to explore aircraft up close, offering a diverse mix of historic icons, frontline military assets, and innovative designs. Spread across RAF Fairford, the static park became a living exhibition of aviation heritage and modern capability, allowing visitors to engage directly with crews and gain insight into the machines that define air power today.

Highlights included a strong Royal Air Force presence, with frontline types such as the Typhoon, Poseidon, and Atlas A400M joined by heritage aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. International contributions added depth and variety, with European, Middle Eastern, and Asian air arms showcasing aircraft rarely seen in the UK. The United States Air Force brought a commanding presence, displaying both operational and support aircraft that underscored its enduring partnership with RIAT.

Civil and industry participation further enriched the static line‑up. Manufacturers presented advanced platforms and technologies, while restored classics offered a reminder of aviation’s enduring legacy. Together, these displays created a balanced narrative of past, present, and future, reinforcing RIAT’s role as a global stage for aviation excellence.

The static display complemented the flying programme by providing context and accessibility. Visitors could examine aircraft interiors, interact with crews, and appreciate the engineering detail that is often missed in the air. This close‑up experience ensured that RIAT 2025 was not only a spectacle in the skies but also a comprehensive exhibition on the ground, strengthening its reputation as the world’s most complete military airshow.

Photography By: Harry Morrow & Andrew Robinson.

BELGIUM

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon featuring special color markings; Airbus Military A400M.

CANADA

Canada showcased a Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules and a Lockheed CP-140M Aurora.

CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT

A diverse range of civilian registered aircraft were on display, spanning from the 1936 Lockheed Electra Junior to the state-of-the-art VX4 electric powered tilt-rotor, developed by Vertical Aerospace Group, headquartered near Fairford at Kemble.

CZECH REPUBLIC

At the recent RIAT airshow, the Czech Republic showcased a variety of aircraft, each featuring distinctive color schemes. The Saab Gripen JAS39C stood out with its vibrant and colorful design. The Aero Vodochody L-159 impressed with a sleek two-tone grey scheme, while the Let L-410 was presented in striking camo colors.

EGYPT

The Egyptian Air Force featured the Antonov An-74T Coaler as a notable part of the static display, highlighting its distinctive sand camouflage scheme. This aircraft was of particular interest to myself living in the United States, little or no chance of seeing this at a USA show.

EX MILITARY & WARBIRDS

Every aircraft has a story to tell some longer than others, ex-military or as we know them is USA Warbirds, but most training aircraft never go to war, there did seem a good number of former training aircraft, like the Provost mk3 I was involved with a group of aircraft enthusiasts in the North East of England several years ago, we bought a Provost to save it and restore it to displayable condition, which in fairness it eventually did, I have thing about vintage jets, but I also admire aircraft like the SA Bulldog which seemed to be plentiful, doing some of the air show circuits back in the USA there are a small handful of the Bulldog’s, always enjoy a good chat with the crew.

FINLAND

The Finnish Army Hughes 369D, referred to in the United States as the H-6, was present alone and appeared striking with its dayglow paint scheme.

FRANCE

The Boeing E-3F Sentry drew large crowds of visitors throughout the day. The French Navy Atlantique, a maritime patrol aircraft famed for its distinctive twin Rolls Royce Tyne turboprop sound, was also present—making its final appearance at RIAT. Although it was parked near the static displays, it still participated in the flying display.

GERMANY

The German forces Air Force, Army & Navy brought a great display of aircraft including: Tornado’s, Lockheed C-130J, NH Industries NH-90, Airbus H145M & Westland Lynx Mk.88.

GREECE

The Greek Air Force provided two incredible examples of the Dassault Mirage 2000 5BG, long may they continue to fly.

HOLLAND

Dutch Forces provided a good collection from the Airbus A330-243MRTT part of the Multinational MRTT Fleet, as with other aircraft the public lines to view inside the aircraft were always long, a couple of fine looking Boeing Chinooks, Navy NH Industries NH-90 & a pair of Pilatus PC-9’s sporting a 35^th anniversary tail for 131 EMVO Sqn.

HUNGARY

A single helicopter from Hungarian Air Force Airbus H225M.

IRELAND

Irish Air Corps provided the following: Eurocopter EC135P2, Pilatus PC-12 Spectre & Augusta Westland AW.139

ITALY

From Italy we had ATR-42 500MP looking fantastic in it’s Coast Guard scheme, with Italian Air Force ATR P-72A, Piaggio P.180 Avanti & Leonardo AW.169 from the Italian Army

JORDAN

Royal Jordanian Air Force brought a Lockheed C-130H Hercules with an incredible paint scheme, there were also the Royal Jordanian Falcons which unfortunately to other timed commitments we missed our chance to get images of them performing.

LITHUANIA

Lithuanian Air Force provided Airbus Dauphin AS.365 N3+ a Search & Rescue helicopter

NEW ZEALAND

From way down under Royal New Zealand Air Force brought the Boeing 757-2K2C long way from home but very much appreciated

PAKISTAN

Pakistan Air Force was a popular area on the static park, Lockheed C-130H Hercules wearing a very popular scheme, a pair of PAC JF-17-C from the 32 Tactical Attack Wing & one with special colors, support aircraft was in the large form of Ilyushin IL-78MP Midas, great set of aircraft on display

POLAND

General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon with special marks, looking great in the sunshine Lockheed C-130E Hercules

QATAR

Qatar Emiri Air Force displayed one of their Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft resplendent in full Qatar Airways colors, with a AH-64E Apache looking great in sand camo

SLOVAKIA

Slovak Air Force displayed transport aircraft Alenia C-27J

SLOVENIA

Slovenian Territorial Defense Force with Pilatus PC-9M, also Alenia C-27J NG from the Slovenian Air Force

SPAIN

Spanish Air Force brought Eurofighter Typhoon wearing a special Tiger mark, SAR helicopter Sikorsky S-76C

UNITED KINGDOM

As it was a home game you would expect a large presence from the UK, Airbus A400M Atlas, Boeing P-8A Poseidon, front line operations with Eurofighter Typhoons & F-35 Lightening II, training aircraft were a good variety from BAE Hawk T2, a pair of Airbus Juno Ht.1 helicopters

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

United States of America a large Air Force presence with the US Army bringing the Apache, unfortunately no Navy aircraft. Highlight for us from FHAM our media passes got us two interviews with crew from both the U-2 and RC-135V Rivet, both can be seen on page 1.

In summary, the static display at RIAT 2025 offered audiences an unmatched opportunity to connect with aviation up close, blending frontline capability, historic icons, and international variety into a living exhibition across RAF Fairford. From heritage aircraft to cutting‑edge platforms, and from civil industry contributions to rare overseas participants, the static park reinforced RIAT’s role as a global stage for aviation excellence. Together with the flying program, it ensured that RIAT 2025 was not only a spectacle in the skies but also a comprehensive showcase on the ground, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation of air power past, present, and future.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our RIAT 2025 coverage. Travelling, documenting, and compiling this report is always a demanding but rewarding experience, and it would not have been possible without the outstanding support of the RIAT media team, whose professionalism and dedication ensured smooth reporting throughout the event. Special thanks also go to fellow FHAM aviation photographer and journalist Andrew Robinson, whose contributions and interviews added depth and perspective to this year’s coverage. Together, these efforts helped capture the spirit of RIAT 2025 and share it with aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

Harry Morrow, FHAM
Editor, Fly High Aviation Media

The RIAT report is separated into three pages, this is page 1 the main story board, page 2 contains images of the flying display & page 3 contains images of the aircraft on static display, use the buttons below to navigate between pages, the links are also repeated at the bottom of each page.