Military News Today

Reputed to be the biggest military airshow in the world, RIAT features modern military and classic aircraft, static and flying, from many continents.

The Operational Theme in 2024 will be ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, marking 100 years of British military test flights and highlighting the important work of flight testing and evaluation in modern aviation. This theme will allow aircraft and organisations from around the world to demonstrate the latest technological developments.

Another major theme in 2024 will be the F-16 Fighting Falcon, in this 50th year since the aircraft’s first flight. Developed for the United States Air Force, the Lockheed Martin F-16 took its first flight in 1974, and has enjoyed global success over its 50 years, currently being operated by over 25 different nations. Visitors can expect to see F-16s, flying and static, from around the world.

The show will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of NATO, whose role throughout has been to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries.

Another focus area will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. In a special ground area, the show will host both modern RCAF assets and historic aircraft types formerly flown by the RCAF, alongside displays of Canadian culture.  As part of this theme, the Canadian CF-18 Demo Team will perform in the flying display.

Check out more detail on the themes for 2024 here ‘RIAT 2024 Themes’.

Flying participation announcements started earlier than in previous years, with confirmation on 7th December 2023 that The Royal Canadian Air Force will be sending their McDonnell Douglas CF-188A Hornet to take part in the flying display, a display which has not been seen at RAF Fairford since 2018. This follows the RCAF announcement the previous day that their Hornet would be displaying at RIAT2024.

The Canadian’s involvement at RIAT has further significance as the Royal

International Air Tattoo 2024, will be hosting a celebration for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Centennial in 2024.

Head of Air Operations for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Peter Reoch said: “We are delighted to confirm our first participating aircraft for next year’s Royal International Air Tattoo, especially with the Canadian Hornet being a rare sight in British skies.

“In addition to flying display, we are expecting a large Canadian presence in the static display at RAF Fairford in July as we mark their centenary, and we are looking forward to sharing more information in the coming months once additional aircraft types are confirmed.”

In 2023 RIAT helped the Italian Air Force celebrate their centenary with a designated area at the event’s show-ground which hosted a variety of static display from throughout their history.  Brigadier-General Ron Walker, Deputy Commander Force Generation at 1 Canadian Air Division, and the former Air Advisor for the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in London said:

“The Royal Canadian Air Force have a long and proud history that is intertwined with the Royal Air Force.

“We are looking forward to celebrating this history next summer at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“Being the world-renowned event it is, we are working hard to mark the RCAF Centennial at the show next July and visitors can expect to see a diverse array of our assets and culture on display.”

More aircraft for RIAT 2024 will be announced during the Spring.

Tickets for the show are available now through the RIAT web site.