Fighter jets from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have won top awards in two categories at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the United Kingdom, according to state-run PTV News on Saturday.

The event, running from 18 to 20 July, is known as one of the world’s largest military airshows and has been operating for more than 50 years. It supports the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, according to the event’s website.

A PAF team arrived at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in the UK on Thursday with advanced aircraft, the JF-17 Thunder Block III and the C-130 Hercules, to participate in the show, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Pakistan Air Force JF-17C Block III was awarded the prestigious ‘Spirit of the Meet Trophy’ at the #RIAT2025 for its striking livery and the incredible journey from Pakistan with non-stop air to air refuelling (AAR).@DGPR_PAF @airtattoo pic.twitter.com/x4jTCpBjZi

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 19, 2025

Awards for JF-17 and C-130

The JF-17 Block III was awarded the Spirit of the Meet Trophy for its “striking livery and the incredible journey from Pakistan with non-stop air-to-air refuelling,” as reported by PTV.

The aircraft successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling operations en route to the UK with support from a PAF IL-78 refuelling tanker, according to ISPR.

The C-130H Hercules received the Concours d’Elegance Trophy.

“These awards were given in recognition of the aircrafts’ excellent flying and technical skills,” PTV reported. It also noted that the JF-17C Block III is a sign of Pakistan’s “advanced defence technology.”

PTV added, “This success has honoured Pakistan’s aviation sector on an international level.” The recognition is seen as a sign of appreciation for the PAF’s capabilities.

Context of Recent Conflict

In May, during tensions between Pakistan and India, Pakistani forces shot down Indian jets in response to late-night strikes.

A month later, the PAF confirmed that the Kamra-based 15 Squadron was responsible for the engagement.

The incident is now regarded as one of South Asia’s largest air-to-air encounters in over 50 years.

“There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent Pakistan–India conflict, as aviation enthusiasts and defence observers were eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder Block III,” the official statement said.

“The aircraft’s combat-proven capabilities and operational excellence have garnered significant global attention, making its appearance at RIAT a highly anticipated highlight in the aerospace and defence community.”