Pakistan wins top honors at UK air show after JF-17 deployment post-India clash
The JF-17 Block-III was awarded the coveted 'Spirit of the Meet' Trophy, a rare honor given to the aircraft that best embodies the ethos and excitement of the global event. Pakistan's C-130H Hercules, painted in a custom livery themed 'Eyes in the Skies,' also received the 'Concours d'Elegance' Trophy for best-maintained and most aesthetically presented aircraft, according to Pakistan's military.
The awards come just days after Pakistan deployed these aircraft to the RIAT, one of the world's most prestigious military air shows, as part of a broader push to display its airpower and modernization drive.
'Winning these prestigious awards is a testament to our professionalism, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence,' said Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who congratulated the PAF contingent on its performance, according to the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
'Keeping the nation's flag high has always been the hallmark of Pakistan Air Force,' he added.
The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter equipped with a long-range beyond-visual-range missile capability. Co-developed by Pakistan and China, the aircraft is central to Pakistan's indigenous defense strategy.
It also played a vital role in the intense, four-day military standoff with India in May when Pakistan shot down advanced Indian fighter jets.
The aircraft flew from Pakistan to Royal Air Force Base Fairford in southern England earlier this week, successfully conducting air-to-air refueling mid-flight — a maneuver the military described as evidence of the PAF's growing long-range operational capabilities.
'PAF's outstanding performance at RIAT-2025 not only cements its standing among leading global air forces but also serves as a source of immense pride for the entire Pakistani nation,' the ISPR said.
Pakistan has previously won honors at RIAT in 2006, 2016, and 2018, reinforcing what the statement described as a consistent record of aviation excellence.
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