Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team to Debut at Cosford in 2025
Aviation fans had been growing anxious about the RAF Cosford Airshow 2025, the only airshow organised by the Royal Air Force, fearing it might lack the thrill of a foreign fast jet solo display. However, the organisers have turned those worries into excitement with the unexpected announcement that the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team will make its Cosford debut this year, promising a standout performance for the event.
This marks the team’s first appearance at Cosford and their third in the UK, having previously wowed crowds at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 2016 and 2018. After a difficult 2024 season cut short, their return to the skies is a moment of anticipation for enthusiasts eager to see the F-16 Fighting Falcon in action once again.
Tiger Demo Team / Malta International Airshow 2023
The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team had been set to perform at RIAT in 2024, but their plans were halted following a tragic accident. On July 12, 2024, just a week before RIAT, the Polish Air Force’s M-346 Demo Team crashed during rehearsals for the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade’s 30th Anniversary event. The loss led to the cancellation of all Polish Air Force airshow commitments, both flying and static displays, for the remainder of the year. Now, with their return confirmed for 2025, the F-16 Tiger Demo Team is ready to reclaim their place on the international stage, starting with Cosford.
Formed in 2015, the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team has earned a reputation for delivering electrifying performances that showcase the raw power and agility of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The team hails from the 6th Fighter Squadron, based at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny. Poland’s F-16 fleet, consisting of C and D variants of the Block 52+ configuration, was introduced in the early 2000s as part of a major modernisation effort. These jets, equipped with advanced avionics and conformal fuel tanks, have bolstered Poland’s air defence capabilities and strengthened its role within NATO. The Tiger Demo Team uses these aircraft to perform precision manoeuvres that highlight their combat potential, blending technical skill with crowd-pleasing spectacle. Their debut at Cosford signals not just a return to form but a chance to demonstrate their resilience after a challenging year.
At the heart of the team’s performance will be Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, the demo pilot tasked with bringing the F-16 to life in the skies above Cosford. With over 1,400 flight hours, including 1,200 on the F-16, Captain Krakowian is a seasoned aviator whose experience spans pilot-instructor duties and NATO missions like the Baltic Air Policing. For 2025, he’s prepared a new 10-minute routine that breaks from the team’s displays in 2016 and 2018, offering a more aggressive and dynamic show. Expect high-speed, high-G manoeuvres and a good use of the afterburner that pushes the F-16’s capabilities to the edge, giving spectators a taste of its combat prowess. His skill, paired with the team’s meticulous preparation, ensures this debut will be a highlight of the airshow.
The RAF Cosford Airshow 2025 is shaping up to be a diverse celebration of aviation, blending historic gems with modern military might. The flying displays will feature the Great War Display Team, bringing the past to life with their Nieuport 17, twin Fokker Dr1s, trio of RAF SE5as, and Junkers CL1, all recreating the drama of First World War dogfights. Joining them will be classics like the North American P-51D Mustang and Republic P-47D Thunderbolt from Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd, alongside the de Havilland Vampire T11 from the Vampire Preservation Group. Modern military displays include the RAF’s Red Arrows with their nine BAE Hawk T1s, the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 from 29 (R) Squadron, and the Boeing Chinook HC6/A from Joint Aviation Command. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also grace the skies with their Avro Lancaster B1, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane IIc, and Douglas Dakota III, evoking the heroism of the Second World War. Adding an international touch, the Swiss Air Force’s PC-7 Team will perform their precision aerobatics with nine Pilatus PC-7s.
On the ground, static displays will offer a closer look at aviation history and technology. Visitors can explore the Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina from Plane Sailing, the Douglas C-47A Skytrain from Aero Legends, and a pair of Boeing Stearman Kaydets—one an N2S-3 from Stijn De Jaeghere and the other an N2S-5 from Kennet Aviation. A Supermarine Spitfire IX, courtesy of Mark Bennett, and the Army Air Corps’ Leonardo Wildcat AH1 from 1 Regiment will round out the lineup, giving enthusiasts plenty to admire up close.
The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team’s debut at Cosford is more than just another airshow appearance—it’s a testament to their determination and a treat for aviation fans craving high-octane action. With Captain Krakowian at the controls, unleashing a bold new routine, the team is poised to make a lasting impression. Set against the backdrop of Cosford’s rich and varied lineup, this event promises to deliver a perfect mix of nostalgia, skill, and cutting-edge performance. For anyone passionate about flight, RAF Cosford Airshow 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable day in the skies.
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