Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jet bags top award at the UK airshow. Pak had claimed it was used during conflict with India

The advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets of Pakistan, which participated in the  Royal International Air Tattoo or RIAT, one of the largest military airshows in the world, bagged an award.

 

Jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 is a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft which first flew in 2003. Pakistan claims to have used JF-17 in the recent conflict with India. 

 

According to media reports, the fighter jet received 'Spirit of the Meet Trophy' award for its "striking livery and the incredible journey from Pakistan with non-stop air-to-air refuelling."

 

Besides, Pakistan Air Force's transport aircraft C-130H Hercules bagged 'Concours d'Elegance' trophy for the best-maintained and most aesthetically presented aircraft at the event.

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There were as many as 224 participating aircraft from 27 different nations at the event, that was attended by over 1,75,000 people.

 

“These awards were given in recognition of the aircrafts’ excellent flying and technical skills,” PTV has been quoted as saying, adding that "This success has honoured Pakistan’s aviation sector on an international level."

 

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, PAF had said in a statement.

 

Meanwhile, the event saw a second historic flight in as many years with the iconic Royal Air Force Red Arrows displaying on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the very first time. 

 

RIAT 2025, which took place from July 18 to 20, has been running for over 50 years and powers the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. 

Defence