PAF Aircraft Secure Global Awards at Royal International Air Tattoo 2025

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved significant recognition at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the United Kingdom, a premier global military airshow. The PAF’s JF-17C Block III aircraft and C-130 Hercules both earned prestigious awards.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PAF contingent, which included the award-winning aircraft, arrived at Royal Air Force Base Fairford earlier in the week.

Awards Won
  • The PAF’s C-130 Hercules was awarded the Concours d’Elegance Trophy, securing first place at RIAT 2025.
  • The JF-17C Block III received the “Spirit of the Meet Trophy,” acknowledging its outstanding aerial display and technical capabilities.
Recognition of Skill and Technology

State media emphasized that these accolades highlight the PAF’s high level of expertise and proficiency on a global stage.

The aircraft’s journey from Pakistan to the UK, which involved continuous air-to-air refuelling supported by a PAF IL-78 tanker, demonstrated the country’s advanced defence technology.

The fighter jet was also instrumental in the Marka-e-Haq engagement with the Indian Air Force earlier this year.

During that conflict, the PAF reportedly shot down several Indian fighter jets following unprovoked missile strikes from India. A ceasefire, mediated by the United States, eventually ended the 87-hour conflict.