Aire 25: Organizers Tease Indian Tejas, 70 Aircraft on Static Display, and Eight Hours of Air Displays
TThe Spanish Air & Space Force has set the aviation world abuzz with a tantalizing preview of Aire 25, an airshow poised to be one of the standout events of the 2025 European season. Scheduled for June 14 and 15 at San Javier Air Base in Murcia, this two-day spectacle will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Eagle Patrol, Spain’s renowned aerobatic team. While the anniversary alone is cause for excitement, it’s the tease of an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas making its European debut that has enthusiasts marking their calendars. Add to that over 70 aircraft on static display and eight hours of breathtaking air displays, and Aire 25 is shaping up to be an unmissable showcase of aviation prowess.
The organizers have been strategic in their reveals, dropping just enough details to whet appetites while keeping much under wraps. A recent promotional video and the official launch event on April 1 offered a glimpse of what’s to come, spotlighting a handful of aircraft—including the Tejas—set to appear. Yet, they’ve left us guessing about whether these machines will soar through the skies or stand proudly on the ground, with only a cryptic note about “some surprises” still to be unveiled. What’s certain is that Saturday, June 14, will see San Javier Air Base host a static display of more than 70 aircraft, while Sunday, June 15, promises eight hours of flying displays over the beaches of Santiago de la Ribera, featuring at least 21 demonstrations of fighter jets, helicopters, and classic aircraft.
Tejas MK1 and Trainer variant /Photo: Government of India
The Tejas Takes Center Stage
For many, the star of Aire 25 could well be the Indian Tejas, a light combat aircraft that’s earned its stripes on the global stage. This event marks its first appearance in Europe, a milestone that underscores the growing ties between the Indian and Spanish air forces. That connection was forged in the crucible of Tarang Shakti 2024, a multinational air exercise where the Tejas squared off against aircraft from various nations, including Spain’s Eurofighter Typhoons. During the exercise, the Tejas proved its versatility, seamlessly switching between roles as a hostile Red Force interceptor and a friendly Blue Force asset, engaging jets from multiple countries in simulated combat.
A highlight of Tarang Shakti was the moment Air General Francisco Braco Carbó, Chief of the Spanish Air and Space Force, strapped into the Tejas for a sortie. His firsthand experience offered a rare perspective on the aircraft’s capabilities, and he wasn’t alone in his praise—foreign pilots, including Spaniards, lauded its performance in an international setting. For aviation buffs, the chance to see the Tejas up close, whether in flight or on static display, is a golden opportunity to witness a modern marvel that’s quickly making a name for itself.
Tejas MK1 and Trainer variant /Photo: Government of India
A Diverse Lineup Takes Shape
While the Tejas has captured much of the spotlight, it’s far from the only draw. The Spanish Air & Space Force has teased a varied roster of aircraft, though they’ve kept mum on which will fly and which will remain static. Among the newly announced participants are the Spanish Air & Space Force’s Bombardier CL-215T, Airbus C295M, Airbus A400M, and NHIndustries NH90, alongside the Spanish Navy’s Airbus H135 P3H “Nival” helicopter and the Spanish Army’s Boeing CH-47F Chinook. The Portuguese Air Force joins the fray with its Socata TB 30 Epsilon, while vintage aviation fans will delight in the addition of two more classic aircraft groups—Fundació Parc Aeronàutic de Catalunya and Fundación Aérea de la Comunidad Valenciana—joining the previously confirmed Fundación Infante de Orleans.
These newcomers complement an already impressive lineup, including the Spanish Air & Space Force’s seven CASA C-101 Aviojets of the Eagle Patrol, five Eurocopter EC 120B Colibris of Patrulla ASPA, and the daring Parachutists from Patrulla Acrobática de Paracaidismo del Ejército del Aire (PAPEA), alongside McDonnell Douglas EF-18A Hornet from ALA 15 and Eurofighter Typhoon from ALA 14. The Spanish Navy brings its McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B Harrier II from 9 Escuadrilla, while the Spanish Army contributes an Airbus Helicopters Tiger from Batallón de Helicópteros de Ataque I. The Guardia Civil’s Eurocopter EC135P2+ from UHEL Murcia rounds out the national contingent.
Internationally, the Swiss Air Force’s six Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs of Patrouille Suisse, the Royal Air Force’s nine BAE Systems Hawk T1s of the Red Arrows, the Italian Air Force’s ten Aermacchi MB-339PANs of Frecce Tricolori, and the French Air & Space Force’s eight Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets of Patrouille de France promise a dazzling display of aerobatic mastery. Vintage flair comes courtesy of the North American Rockwell OV-10B Bronco from Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse – Montélimar and the Canadair CL-13B (F-86E) Sabre Mk6 from Mistral Warbirds. One question mark lingers: the Turkish Air Force’s Turkish Stars have yet to be confirmed, leaving organizers either awaiting approval or facing a possible cancellation.
A Two-Day Aviation Extravaganza
Aire 25 kicks off on Saturday, June 14, with San Javier Air Base opening its gates for a static display that promises to be a treasure trove for aircraft aficionados. Over 70 machines will line the tarmac, offering a rare chance to explore everything from cutting-edge military hardware to lovingly restored classics. The following day, the action shifts to the skies above Santiago de la Ribera’s beaches, where eight hours of flying displays will unfold. With at least 21 demonstrations on the docket, Sunday’s show will blend high-speed thrills, precision manoeuvres, and a touch of nostalgia, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mar Menor.
A Farewell to the C-101
Amid the excitement, Aire 25 carries a bittersweet note: it will be the final bow for the CASA C-101, the Eagle Patrol’s stalwart steed for 40 years. As the team transitions to the Pilatus PC-21—a Swiss turboprop already integrated into the General Air and Space Academy’s training program—this event marks the end of an era. “This change marks a new milestone in the path of modernization, efficiency, and adaptation to current times,” said Air General Braco Carbó, reflecting on the shift. For fans, it’s a chance to bid farewell to an icon while welcoming its sleek successor.
The Eagle Patrol’s Legacy
At the heart of Aire 25 lies the Eagle Patrol, a symbol of Spanish aviation excellence since its inaugural flight on June 4, 1985. What started as a five-aircraft experiment to test the CASA C-101’s acrobatic limits has evolved into a seven-ship formation that’s dazzled audiences worldwide. With over 500 demonstrations, including 170 abroad, and more than 30,000 flight hours, the patrol has painted the Spanish flag across countless skies. Lieutenant Óscar Sanz Rillo, the team’s youngest member at 28, summed up the experience: “Flying is my passion, even if a fighter jet isn’t the most comfortable office. The real reward is seeing the crowd’s reaction when we paint the Spanish flag across the sky.”
Six Months of Preparation
Pulling off an event of this magnitude is no small feat. For six months, the Spanish Air & Space Force has been laying the groundwork, aiming to make Aire 25 “the best airshow in Europe by 2025,” according to Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio García Lafuente, head of the Communications Office. “We want an event that energizes and showcases a modern Air Force,” he added. With a lineup that spans national and international talent, Aire 25 builds on the legacy of past festivals like Aire 06 and Aire 75, promising to leave an indelible mark.
As June approaches, anticipation is building for a weekend that blends cutting-edge technology, historical reverence, and sheer spectacle. Whether you’re drawn by the Tejas’ debut, the static display’s depth, or the aerial ballet over Santiago de la Ribera, Aire 25 is set to deliver an aviation experience for the ages.
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