The Royal International Air Tattoo 2025: Eyes in the Skies
- Mike Lintott-Danks
- Jan 5
- 15 min read
Updated: Apr 4
As with every year The Royal International Air Tattoo delivers in the quality of the aircraft involved and manages to bring together a variety of aircraft to the Gloucestershire base that could not be seen at any other airshow in the world.
The main operational theme of RIAT 2025 was ‘Eyes in the Skies’ with intelligence gathering, maritime patrol and search and rescue aircraft from both military and civilian operators being in the static and flying displays.
Eyes in the skies
With a relatively broad theme this allowed for a wide range of aircraft types to fall within it, from both historic point of view all the way to the modern aviation assets.
Czech Air Force LET 410FG
Now becoming a rarer sight across Europe, the LET-410 first came into the Czech Air Force service in 1985 completing utility transport and surveillance roles. The LET-410FG on static display is a modified version which is equipped with Leica cameras in the nose and a specialist CCNS-5 flight control system to allow for accurate ground scanning whilst taking part in mapping missions. To fit all this extra equipment in the nose wheel doesn’t retract making it an interesting sight to see.
Aeronautice Militare P-72A and Guardia Costiera ATR-42MP
The P-72A, the Italian Air Force’s military designation for the ATR-72MP, is a maritime patrol aircraft capable of operating over the sea at low and medium altitudes, near the coast, at various latitudes and in different climates, regardless of light and weather conditions. The aircraft can conduct information search and acquisition for the detection, location, recognition, classification, tracking, and identification of surface contacts. It is based on the regional twin-turboprop ATR-72 airframe, on which the ATOS mission system is installed, integrating onboard sensors managed by 4 multifunctional consoles, along with an electronically scanned radar and an electro-optical turret. It also has the capability to identify and analyse electromagnetic emissions in the operational area in real-time on board the aircraft and transmit information through a self-protection system that can be used in hostile territory. Joint service crews consist of commissioned pilots and onboard operators who are members of the Italian Air Force and the Italian Navy. The MP version was developed by Alenia Aeronautica, now part of Leonardo Aircraft, and installed on the ATR-72 airframe, which was designed and built by the ATR consortium, jointly controlled by Leonardo and Airbus. https://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/en-home/aircrafts/
The Aeronautice Militare needed to replace the aging Breguet Atlantic which had been in service for 45 years. The P-72A took over the role of Maritime Patrol in 2017 with four in service. The example on static display is from 41 Stormo based at Sigonella.
The Italian Coast Guard currently operate a fleet of three ATR 42MP maritime patrol aircraft based on the ATR 42-400 and -500 versions of this regional airliner. A fourth aircraft in the most up-to-date ‘Surveyor’ configuration was also ordered in late 2024 which will be based on the larger ATR 42-600 platform.
The aircraft is equipped with an MPMS (Maritime Patrol Mission System) which, through three consoles managed by two flight operators, can display on very high-resolution colour monitors the images provided by the search sensors as well as navigation data.
There is a specialized military version, called ATR 42MP (Maritime Patrol), designed and developed to carry out maritime surveillance operations. The ATR 42MP version designed for Port Authorities involves the use of the aircraft in the role of long- and medium-range maritime patrol with the ability to detect, locate, classify, identify and track ships and surface vessels. It is used in search and rescue (SAR) activities, water monitoring, anti-pollution surveillance and surveillance of migratory flows. The aircraft can also be used in secondary missions such as the transport of materials and personnel and medical and humanitarian evacuation. The ATR 42MP is equipped with various advanced sensors for the detection and identification of targets, including multi-mode search radar, Electro-Optical EOST (Electro Optical Sensor Turret), SLAR (Side Looking Airborne Radar) and environmental monitoring instruments.
The aircraft also has an ATM ENHANCED multiband spectrographic analysis system, capable of acquiring digital images of the sea surface in the visible and thermal infrared bands. This system allows the production of thematic maps of the macrodescriptive parameters of the health of the sea, such as suspended solids, organic matter, chlorophyll and temperature.
The aircraft is also equipped with two bubble windows, two large windows in the rear part of the fuselage that offer excellent external visibility, and a rear door that opens even in flight, to allow the launch of self-inflating rafts and parachuting material for the rescue of shipwrecked people.
Royal Canadian Air Force Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft that was originally developed from the P-3 Orion but differs as it is fitted with the electronics suite from the carrier-operated S-3 Viking. The CP-140 was upgraded during the early 2000s to CP-140M standard which includes new software and structural improvements to lengthen the life of the aircraft.
The Aurora supports a wide variety of roles, including operations management, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, strike coordination, and search and rescue. It can also assist other government agencies to combat illegal fishing, pollution, drug trafficking, and more.
L'Armée de l'air et de l'espace Boeing E-3F
Designed based on a Boeing 707 airframe identical to the aircraft of the US Air Force , the four French E-3F SDCA (airborne detection and command system) were delivered to the Air Force in the early 1990s. They are operated within the 36th Airbourne Command and Control Wing at Avord Air Base 702.
Equipped with active and passive detection systems, the E-3F, commonly known as AWACS ( Airborne Warning and Control System ), enables the development of a tactical situation over an operational theatre (all air assets, ships, and surface-to-air threats). Featuring a wide range of communication and data transmission capabilities, it can disseminate this situation information to ground command centres and friendly aircraft in the air. This aircraft thus provides the French Air and Space Force with an essential asset for the command and control (C2) of air operations, directly contributing to its first-entry capability.
The mission
The E-3F SDCA's detection and communication capabilities, as well as its autonomy, enable it to perform a wide range of missions and serve as a flexible tool capable of adapting to all types of operations. These missions can be conducted within a national or international joint framework, as well as within an interministerial framework. In addition to its priority missions of contributing to the permanent security posture and nuclear deterrence, the E-3F SDCA also performs the following missions.
Tactical control of offensive and defensive air missions
In-flight refueling control
Airspace management
Threat diffusion (Air, Ground-to-air and Surface)
Control and coordination of combat rescue missions
Missions to combat maritime piracy and drug trafficking at sea
Monitoring of high-visibility events (Example: Summits of heads of state)
Raid support
Systems
The Rotodome
The E-3F SDCA's rotodome houses two antennas: the primary radar antenna, used to detect aerial and maritime targets, and the IFF ( Identification Friend or Foe ) interrogator antenna, used to identify targets and distinguish friend from foe. These antennas are located in the center of the rotodome and arranged back-to-back.
The AN/APY-2 primary radar is a multimode radar offering air and maritime detection capabilities. Its range in air mode exceeds 400 km, and its Doppler mode allows it to discriminate against moving targets at low altitudes.
The AN/UPX-40 secondary radar is a next-generation IFF interrogator capable of processing new identification modes such as Mode S, a civilian identification mode, and Mode 5, a secure military identification mode.
Tactical data links
Upon entering service, the E-3F SDCA was the first platform in the French Air and Space Force to be equipped with Link 16 (L16). This tactical data link, used by NATO forces, has become essential for conducting and executing modern operations and now equips numerous assets of the Air and Space Force. It allows participants on the same network (aircraft, surface-to-air missile systems, surface vessels, command and control centres, etc.) to exchange tactical situational awareness, command orders, engagement orders, and text messages in real time. It also provides a secure radio communication capability.
Recent operations (Libya, Mali, Levant) have highlighted the need to acquire the capability to extend tactical data links beyond line of sight, and in particular, Link 16 via the Joint Range Extension (JRE ) protocol for the E-3F fleet. During 2021, the aircraft will be equipped with a JRE link via a satellite connection. They will then be able to transmit tactical situational awareness far beyond current capabilities, allowing the Command and Control Center (C2) to address threats at much greater distances with greater responsiveness. The aircraft also remains equipped with Link 11, which is older and less efficient than Link 16, and is slated to be phased out in the coming years.
The evolutions of the E-3F SDCA
To maintain interoperability with allied AWACS aircraft, whose capabilities are constantly evolving (particularly in communications), the E-3F must regularly integrate new technologies. Following the integration of ESM ( Electronic Support Measure – a passive means of detecting electromagnetic signals) in 2001, radar upgrades in 2006, and communications upgrades in 2012, the mission system (operator consoles located in the cockpit) underwent a major upgrade in 2015. This mid-life upgrade, known as MLU ( Mid-Life Upgrade ), is identical to that of American AWACS aircraft, but retains certain national specificities such as the use of certain L16 messages and the integration of AIS (a vessel identification system). The scope of this upgrade is very broad: a new network architecture, an increase in the number of workstations (from ten to fourteen) with a modern human-machine interface, and improved threat identification capabilities.
A refurbishment of the E-3F cockpit avionics called FCU ( French Cockpit Upgrade ) was contracted in July 2017. This modernization will allow the fleet to be operated until 2035. Other refurbishments are already being studied to allow these strategic assets to remain as effective as possible.
Photo from Rovaniemi during Atlantic Trident 2025
Força Aérea Portuguesa AW101
The flying display was graced with the extremely photogenic Força Aérea Portuguesa AW101 Merlin from 751 Squadron which operates from Base Aérea No.6 in Montijo, just across the mouth of the Tagus River from the Portuguese capital Lisbon.
The Portuguese Air Force operates a fleet of 12 AW101 Merlins, maintaining SAR alert readiness across three bases, Montijo on the mainland, Terceira Island in the Azores and the third location at Porto Santo in Madeira.
Search and Rescue (SAR) is the primary role for the fleet, accounting for around 80% of missions but the role extends to tactical airlift operations with four of the 12 aircraft in a combat search and rescue (CSAR) configuration and two are configured for fisheries protection.
The SAR mission there is a crew of five, Pilot in command, Hoist/Systems Operator, Co-Pilot, a Rescue Swimmer and a Flight Nurse. This was shown during the demonstration at RIAT of a SAR mission with the crew putting the helicopter through its paces.
Svenska flygvapnet Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky UH-60M
The UH-60M or Hkp.16A, in the Swedish Air Force, had not been seen in the flying display at RIAT before which is surprising due to the high volume of these utility helicopters there are flying. The Black Hawk was first acquired by Sweden in 2011 with 15 ordered and they were put into service in Afghanistan where they were conducted medical transport missions.
The UH-60M Black Hawk, which is designated the Hkp16A in Swedish Air Force (SwAF) service, was first acquired by Sweden in 2011, when 15 examples were ordered for the SwAF. Among their first assignments was conducting medical transport missions during Swedish operations in Afghanistan. 12 more UH-60Ms have been ordered and are set to replace the NH-90s in Swedish service.
Vzdušné síly W-3A SOKOL
This is a two-engine, turbo-shaft multipurpose helicopter, whose design is based on the Mil Mi-2 "HOPLITE". However, the W-3A SOKOL differs considerably from its predecessor in terms of its outer dimensions and improved construction consistency.
The first prototype took off on 16 November 1979, the second one, with crucial construction modifications, on 6 May 1982. Full production commenced in 1985. The helicopter is designed for transport of up to 12 personnel or material up to the weight of 2,200 kg, and for air search and rescue operations.
The helicopter is equipped with a new four-bladed main rotor with a vibration damper. The inner fuel tanks can take up to 1,700 litres of fuel. It is possible to attach additional fuel tanks with a total capacity of 1,100 litres. The seats are arranged per three at four rows. The cabine is accessible by two side doors. The W-3A SOKOL helicopter features sophisticated avionics that enables its day and night use under any weather condition. It has proved its capabilities during flood disasters in the Czech Republic in 1997 and again in 2002.
A pair of SOKOLs displayed together over the RIAT weekend with an impressive performance showing the various capabilities of this smaller yet capable helicopter.
Aéronavale Bréguet Atlantic II
Another rare aircraft to see in a flying display was the French Navy Atlantic II. This aircraft was from Flottille 23F based at BAN Lann-Bihoué on the Bay of Biscay.
Developed in the 1960s to meet a NATO requirement to replace the Lockheed Neptune maritime patrol aircraft and was specifically designed for this role with an updated version produced known as the Atlantic II. The aircraft features a retractable radome, a large weapons bay, a magnetic anomaly detector and the ability to launch sonar buoys.
The French Navy originally took delivery 40 Atlantiics before ordering a further 22 Atlantic 2s. The Atlantic 2 remains in the service. For the type to remain relevant it has been upgraded with the most recent being the inclusion of the same radar system as used in the Rafale, greatly enhancing its capabilities. These aircraft are due to keep flying until 2035, so we may see one in the flying display in the future.
Lockheed U-2S - Path to the future
A design that has been around since the 1950s is the now designated Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady. Rather than delve into the past of this important Intelligence, Surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft the extract below id from the Lockheed Martin site about the future of the U-2.
This proven ISR track record paired with technological flexibility positions the U-2 as the optimum platform to rapidly field new payload capabilities, given its demonstrated open architecture and superior size, weight, power and cooling (SWAP-C) capacity. These key attributes, in addition to its modern Open Mission Systems (OMS) compliant avionics suite, make the U-2 the platform of choice to demonstrate new capabilities faster and more cost-effectively for a Joint All-Domain Operations vision.
The future fight is all about data - getting the right information to the right person at the right time. The Quantum Leap U-2 is effectively positioned to rapidly collect, process and share data across integrated networks that include legacy and 5th generation platforms.
By using machine-to-machine processing to dramatically reduce the data to decision timeline, the U-2 can communicate securely and simultaneously at all tactical, operational and strategic levels across multiple domains. Additionally, the Avionics Tech Refresh expedites battlespace capabilities needed for the future, making the U-2 the first fully OMS compliant fleet, providing the ability to plug-and-play new capabilities quickly and affordably to support future battlespace operations.
SAAB Gripen E - The Game Changer
A staple of the flying display over the last decade has been the SAAB Gripen. This potent multirole aircraft has been flown by the Czech Air Force, Swedish Air Force and Hungarian Air Force at previous RIAT’ but again this year we saw the new and highly capable SAAB Gripen E in a powerful display in a superb splinter camouflage. The information below from SAAB shows how different and advanced this platform is.
Designed to defeat any adversary. Made for forward-thinking air forces, Gripen E incorporates cutting-edge technologies, the latest systems, sensors, weapons and pods to ensure combat advantage, delivering air superiority in highly contested environments. Silent networking and total sensor fusion across a tactical air unit to blind and confuse the enemy. One aircraft active, the others go passive. Together the team gets the first missile launch opportunity and the first kill. Gripen E re-defines the rules of the game.
Gripen E has the powerful GE F414G engine, great range and the ability to carry an impressive payload with its ten hard-points. It also has a new AESA-radar, Infrared Search and Track System (IRST), highly advanced electronic warfare and communication systems. The E-series redefines air power for the 21st century by extending operational capabilities.
We envisioned Gripen E to be an extension of the pilot’s mind and body, and we achieve it through advanced Human Machine Collaboration (HMC). The concept speaks for itself: Human and machine work seamlessly together to achieve mission success.
Gripen’s embedded AI capability and its future-oriented cockpit design that features the Wide Area Display (WAD), facilitate the pilot’s decision-making process and provides crucial assistance in the midst of a complex mission. The WAD presents the information in a user-friendly way, which supports the pilot’s ability to select, launch and guide weapons in perfect coordination with other members of a tactical air unit.
Decisive Information Advantage
Fighter pilots need to have full awareness of the situation to be able to see first, understand first and act first, to maintain the combative edge over the adversary. In a contested environment, this is the difference between being able to engage or being forced to abort. Gripen’s suite of sensors delivers cross-domain data gathering and an unprecedented level of networked sensor fusion.
Information is quickly analyzed and shared in real-time, enabling critical decisions to be rapidly implemented, ensuring tactical superiority.All information collected by the tactical unit and other available battlefield sensors is also vital, and it needs to be linked, processed and presented in an accurate way. This superior situational awareness provides the tactical edge that Gripen E needs to secure mission success and platform survivability.
Electronic Warfare
Today’s battlefield is highly complex, contested and hostile, and Gripen has the ability to penetrate the enemy’s anti-access zones and disrupt its capacity to perform. Gripen E’s integrated cutting-edge electronic warfare system combines a variety of offensive and defensive measures to disrupt enemy efforts while protecting itself to ensure high survivability. Gripen does real-time signal analysis and countermeasures management, as well as extensive electronic intelligence (ELINT) signal collection to vanquish any rival.
Lethality
Gripen E has 10 hard-points; offers the best in class weapons and pods from around the world; and has an unrivalled ease of stores integration. Gripen E can conduct air-to-air, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions. Air supremacy is achieved with the carriage of up to seven Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles and two Within Visual Range IRIS-T missiles. Weapons like these, combined with the ability to use offensive and defensive means simultaneously, enables Gripen E to detect, engage and suppress or destroy targets effectively.
Maximum Force Readiness
From the outset, Gripen E was designed for ease of maintenance that secures higher availability than its competitors. Gripen E can operate in extreme climates and from dispersed and unprepared road bases or airstrips. It takes around 15 minutes with only a limited number of ground crew and equipment to refuel and rearm Gripen for an air-to-air mission, which ensures rapid re-engagement. With low maintenance requirements per flight hour, Gripen E spends less time on the ground and more time in the air.
Interoperability
Gripen E has the capability to fully operate with allied joint forces in the air, on the ground and sea. The ease of weapon integration, the use of common communication systems and networked datalinks makes Gripen E a smart choice for an interoperable jet fighter.
Adaptability
Securing technological superiority over highly capable adversaries is the most crucial factor for success in modern warfare, and Gripen’s capability to master new threats by evolving continuously redefines the rules of the game. Gripen’s users can fight Day 1 of a conflict, then learn and adapt its software applications to secure combat advantage for Day 2. Smart, right?
Gripen’s revolutionary avionics design separates mission system functionality from flight-critical software to adapt to new operational needs and support smooth capability growth without affecting the need for recertification. As soon as new technology becomes available, Gripen can be updated accordingly to ensure continuous capability growth. This changes the paradigm of extensive and costly mid-life upgrades that burdens the availability of competing fighter fleets.
Defeat any threat. Anywhere.
Gripen E avoids detection by acting silent or suppressing enemy capabilities. Its advanced electronic warfare system, similar to an electronic shield, allows disruption of the enemy’s ability to function effectively. This can be used either to assist in destruction of enemy assets or simply to reduce the enemy’s ability to act.
Egyptian Air Force Antonov AN74
With its high mounted engines, the AN-74 is an unusual sight and a rare aircraft to be seen outside of Egypt. The AN-74 first flew in 1983 is a civilian offshoot of the AN-72 and differs from the AN-72 with a more powerful radar being installed, advanced installation of a more powerful radar, more advanced equipment including glass cockpit, longer range and the ability to be fitted with skis
The AN-74 is versatile aircraft and used by the Egyptian Air Force for military transportation, aid deliveries at home and abroad and supplying other platforms with equipment. The three aircraft in the air forces inventory offer the Short Take Off and Landing capability with take-offs from just 1300m and landings at 700m. This can even be on unpaved surfaces with a full payload.
The three aircraft in the inventory are operated by an independent flight attached to the 533 Air Wing based at Cairo International Airport.
Pakistan Air Force
A large contingent of aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force arrived at RIAT with the highlights being the first time that JF-17 Thunders had been at the show. Although not officially on static display the Ilyushin Il-78MP Midas tanker was able to be photographed which supported the JF-17s on their flight to the UK.
IL-78MP
The first flight of a IL-78 was in 1983 and this was a development from the IL-76MD transport aircraft. The IL-78 was the first Air to Air Refuelling aircraft for the Soviet Union, fitted with three hose and drogue refuelling pods with two being on the wings and then the third on the fuselage.
The four IL-78MPs in service with the Pakistani Air Force were originally acquired from Ukraine in 2006 with deliveries being between 2009 and 2011 after refurbishment. The four aircraft are based at Nur Khan flying with the 10 Squadron ‘Bulls’
JF-17 Thunder
The JF-17 development was by two corporations, the Pakistani Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation with the first flight in 2003. This single engined multirole combat aircraft can carry various air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The original JF-17A has been upgraded to the JF-17C which features a modern radar, new avionics and a more powerful engine. The Pakistani Air Force ordered 112 of the JF-17A variant and 23 JF-17Cs with the intention to upgrade all the JF-17As to the newer JF-17 Standard.
Gallery of some of the other participants at RIAT 2025
Due to personal issues Airspeed Media couldn’t attend the full show but there were many other highlights including the RAFs newest Eyes in the Skies platform the E-7 Wedgetail performing flypast on the Friday. Yet again another great year for new air forces, aircraft and displays.
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