RIAT 2025

[CWS]

Has anyone seen if Frecce are back to 10 display jets yet? Or if they even plan to?

On one of the photo forums they seem to have displayed as a 9, just wondering if that was a 'one off' on the day, or if it gradually going back up to 10, or if the plan is 9 for the rest of the year?

Although the main thing is that they are still performing after what happened. It looks so 'wrong' and 'weird' with a hole in the teams shape. Hoping they are back to a 10 ship

[sjc101]

Has anyone seen if Frecce are back to 10 display jets yet? Or if they even plan to?

On one of the photo forums they seem to have displayed as a 9, just wondering if that was a 'one off' on the day, or if it gradually going back up to 10, or if the plan is 9 for the rest of the year?

Although the main thing is that they are still performing after what happened. It looks so 'wrong' and 'weird' with a hole in the teams shape. Hoping they are back to a 10 ship

Their displayed in Italy yesterday (8th), with a 7 ship display. So not sure.

[jacobpyxu15]

Is there any reason as to why the French Air Force hasn't sent any flying assets to RIAT in the past couple of years? I originally thought it had something to do with a smaller schedule/budget, but they've been sending demo teams to Cosford for the past three years straight. It's a shame we didn't get anything flying from them this year. Patrouille de France, the Rafale solo, and Couteau Delta were all very high on my personal bucket list, and I think this year's lineup would've benefited greatly from one of them.

[Dreadnought]

Is there any reason as to why the French Air Force hasn't sent any flying assets to RIAT in the past couple of years? I originally thought it had something to do with a smaller schedule/budget, but they've been sending demo teams to Cosford for the past three years straight. It's a shame we didn't get anything flying from them this year. Patrouille de France, the Rafale solo, and Couteau Delta were all very high on my personal bucket list, and I think this year's lineup would've benefited greatly from one of them.

Last year was the 1st year since the show came back from covid that did not have a display from the French, Technically they did have something flying at 2024 as the Mirage 2000 took part in the NATO flypast.

In 2022 we had Mustang X-Ray and in 2023 it was the Rafale, Even before that PDF were at 2019 Couteau Delta were at 2018 and 2017 and the Rafales of both the Air & Space Force and Navy were in the flying display in 2018.

I'm sure there was also a flypast from a French KC-135 back in 2019? Someone can correct me if i am wrong

[boff180]

The C-135FR appeared in 2019 and 2023 - the flypast on the Friday in 2023 was especially bat sh*t crazy doing a very low and aggressive wing waggle all down the runway after a missed approach.

[Bodz156]

Is there any reason as to why the French Air Force hasn't sent any flying assets to RIAT in the past couple of years?

It was mentioned during the FRIAT forum that the French A&SF had cut their air show appearances by 50% from last year to this...

Anecdotally, I've also had it mentioned to me (not by anyone official mind...) that since the start of 2024 they've adopted a policy of only providing 1 static aircraft or 1 flying display asset to events outside of France itself. Which might explain only 1 M2000 last year (when generally static fighters have been pairs)....

I've noticed this does seem to be the case with shows I've kept half an eye on during this year, but I don't know for sure if that's 100% accurate

[Tommy]

If that “single item” rule is true (which would explain things to be fair), then I think that the static E-3F is far better - and in line with the theme of the show - than the same (excellent) Rafale demo that we’ve seen several times. Likewise the Mirage 2000-5 last year, which was the only time I’ve shot one in the air, and given their donation to Ukraine, might be the only time.

And I know the comment is specifically re the “Air Force”, but it feels a bit unfair not to recognise the smashing ATL2 flying demo that RIAT currently has on the billing.

Of course, it’s France’s discretion what to send, and where. Even before post-COVID budget cuts, Yeovilton used to have fantastic Aeronavale support that always seemed to avoid RIAT, save for the odd occasion. Perhaps France likes the idea of Cosford being “the RAF’s only airshow” it’s impossible to say.

Doubtless RIAT would have asked for the Rafale. But obviously it has other commitments this year. And, noting Couteau, they aren’t flying this year, and last year their demo season appeared to be from May to June, so perhaps they weren’t available.

Lots of variables, but it’s not like the French air arms don’t support RIAT well. I also celebrate the diversity amongst shows.

[CWS]

Our only hope is that in the next couple of years they adopt a similar stance to Germany, where they have massively increased airshow participation around Europe.

France have some really good aircraft and displays, just seem to be some of the hardest to get! Even though they are just round the corner from us.

Things change, lets hope they go back to trying to have a presence at airshows in the future.

Side note, the two aircraft this year are very very good, same as that Mirage last year.

[BU7]

Some good points and information posted about French participation or lack of, I think the other thing that is often a contributory factor that affects RIAT participation is Bastille Day, which is the 14th of July, and their are often multiple events to celebrate this at weekends either side with the majority of the display schedules supporting these events. We wouldn’t expect the Typhoon or Reds to miss out on big shows in the UK (I know not so many these days) to attend a big show in another country. Just unfortunate timing, and I would suggest it’s probably a combination of everything that’s been mentioned.
I’m still really pleased with the E-3F and the Navy ATL2 as they certainly fit the theme nicely as lovely as it would be to have got the Rafale or one of the pair displays.

[Morgangalley]

https://www.instagram.com/stories/armya ... ZjbzY5dg==

A self confirm

[Tommy]

The AAC demo team has responded to RIAT’s Instagram story (link below, but it’ll only last 24 hrs) saying “RIAT 2025 - see you there”:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/armya ... FkMjN4aw==

[CWS]

Well lets wait and see, until it gets officially confirmed (hopefully does). We have had this is a few times over the last couple of years where a display self confirms, just for Riat to then come out and say contrary to that, they are indeed not coming to the show.

But if it happens, nice to get a role demo of sorts, always good to get multiple aircraft up in a display (not as an aerobatic team)

[Herkdriver]

Some good points and information posted about French participation or lack of, I think the other thing that is often a contributory factor that affects RIAT participation is Bastille Day, which is the 14th of July, and their are often multiple events to celebrate this at weekends either side with the majority of the display schedules supporting these events. We wouldn’t expect the Typhoon or Reds to miss out on big shows in the UK (I know not so many these days) to attend a big show in another country. Just unfortunate timing, and I would suggest it’s probably a combination of everything that’s been mentioned.
I’m still really pleased with the E-3F and the Navy ATL2 as they certainly fit the theme nicely as lovely as it would be to have got the Rafale or one of the pair displays.

The Bastille Day events are a major reason in my opinon along with the 50% cut in airshow appearances. Also the RAF send very little to French airshows so there is that as well. I do miss the Ramex Delta and the Couteau Delta teams though!

[AirbusA350Fan]

The AAC demo team has responded to RIAT’s Instagram story (link below, but it’ll only last 24 hrs) saying “RIAT 2025 - see you there”:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/armya ... FkMjN4aw==

Sounds Promising, anyone know if they will be allowed to use their pyrotechnics element at RIAT? I know flares aren't allowed but I guess they use like static pre set explosions?... don't know how to describe it. It would be cool to see, miss those days of seeing the wall of fire at Yeovilton!

[Tommy]

*if* confirmed, you’d hope they would be allowed to. It seems to have been set up at Cosford (and used for other purposes), so notwithstanding any changes in regulations specific to RIAT, one assumes RIAT will also see it, as it has done in the past.

[Morgangalley]

I know people Will go “uhhhh more helis” but tbh there apaches so being an attack heli they instantly have that over say an NH90. Plus they have pyro (should). Adds a role demo to the list rather than a display of sorts so could be interesting. I for one was more gutted about it cancelling cosford than the rafale. So look forward to seeing it

[Jameslw1993]

Apache demonstrations from the Army have always been one of my favourite displays, and have been itching to see them back since 2019. To get a pairs display, even better.

[CWS]

I know people Will go “uhhhh more helis” but tbh there apaches so being an attack heli they instantly have that over say an NH90. Plus they have pyro (should). Adds a role demo to the list rather than a display of sorts so could be interesting. I for one was more gutted about it cancelling cosford than the rafale. So look forward to seeing it

Yeah although there are way too many heli's for my personal taste ... I don't put this in the same bracket.

Like you said, interesting heli types makes a big difference, love the Apache (can't beat a gunship, loved the Hind's a few years back), and if we get the demo with pyros, it should be one of the highlights for sure.

Was the last Apache demo at Riat 2019? I remember the demo being really good, pyros also adding to the display big time.

[Skedge2187]

I hope they do fix the issues with the Apache's, as that will mean all the ones already confirmed will be cancelled. I do like a role demo as it shows the aircraft in action, rather than a display. I was gutted it was cancelled at Cosford.

[bobby 1211]

Pretty much expected but nice to have it officially announced by them, always good to have some explosions Thursdays update along with the Chinook then?

With the F-35 appearing at Cosford I assumed it has a good chance to also attend Riat, but I got told it was exclusively only doing Cosford this year, anyone know if that's true?

[AirbusA350Fan]

Pretty much expected but nice to have it officially announced by them, always good to have some explosions Thursdays update along with the Chinook then?

With the F-35 appearing at Cosford I assumed it has a good chance to also attend Riat, but I got told it was exclusively only doing Cosford this year, anyone know if that's true?

Will be a case of wait and see, I think if any RAF F35 participation happens, it'll be announced very last minute, maybe even on the day as a "Surprise, Here it is!" for 5 mins, it'll most probably do the exact same as Cosford (Flypast then Hover), just hope there is a pilot at Marham with a bit of spare time.

[ThatDutchDude]

I hope they do fix the issues with the Apache's, as that will mean all the ones already confirmed will be cancelled. I do like a role demo as it shows the aircraft in action, rather than a display. I was gutted it was cancelled at Cosford.

Dutch Apaches are back airborne again, so are the AAC ones, so I wouldn't worry too much about it..

[CWS]

I hope they do fix the issues with the Apache's, as that will mean all the ones already confirmed will be cancelled. I do like a role demo as it shows the aircraft in action, rather than a display. I was gutted it was cancelled at Cosford.

Dutch Apaches are back airborne again, so are the AAC ones, so I wouldn't worry too much about it..

Sounds promising! Let's just hope it is part of the Thursday update

[JMC]

Some good points and information posted about French participation or lack of, I think the other thing that is often a contributory factor that affects RIAT participation is Bastille Day, which is the 14th of July, and their are often multiple events to celebrate this at weekends either side with the majority of the display schedules supporting these events.

This is discussed year upon year. Bastille day does not seem to affect RIAT attendance.

2017 - Rafale and Couteau
2018 - Rafale, Atlantique, Couteau.
2022 - Mustang X Ray
2023 - Rafale/KC-135

There has been other years where it hasn’t been Bastille day and they’ve sent nothing.

[BenTheBritishGuy]

Apache is very nice. (If confirmed obviously)
On the topic of pyros for their display, would more be needed than were set up at Cosford due to the larger size of the airfield at Fairford compared to Cosford? Or would it be a matter of see them if you can and tough look if you don’t? Assuming of course they went ahead with the pyros..?