Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team to Debut in Spain at Motril Air Festival 2025
The organisers of the Festival Aéreo Internacional de Motril have confirmed the participation of the Polish Air Force’s F-16 Tiger Demo Team, setting the stage for an electrifying Spanish debut in 2025. This announcement has aviation enthusiasts buzzing with excitement, as the team prepares to bring its signature blend of power and precision to the 19th edition of this renowned airshow, scheduled for June 29 along Spain’s Tropical Coast.
This marks a significant moment for both the team and the festival, as the Polish pilots gear up to showcase their skills for the first time in Spain. With a reputation for captivating audiences across Europe, the F-16 Tiger Demo Team’s arrival promises to elevate an already prestigious event to new heights, drawing crowds eager to witness a display unlike any other.
Tiger Demo Team / Nato & Czech Air Force Days 2023
The F-16 Tiger Demo Team hails from the 6th Fighter Squadron, part of the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny, near Poznań, Poland. This unit, nestled under the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, has earned a strong reputation for its operational excellence and is a proud member of the NATO Tiger Association—a distinguished collective of squadrons sporting tiger emblems, celebrated for their combat spirit and international camaraderie. The team’s aircraft, an F-16C Block 52+, is one of the most advanced variants of the iconic multirole fighter, known for its agility and versatility. What sets it apart visually is its misty gray, tiger-themed livery, a striking design that mirrors the team’s fierce identity and pays tribute to the storied Tiger Meet tradition.
The Festival Aéreo Internacional de Motril, now in its 19th year, has long been a highlight on the European airshow calendar. Held against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean, this event has built a legacy of delivering diverse and thrilling aerial performances that captivate both casual spectators and hardcore aviation buffs. The addition of the Polish team in 2025 underscores the festival’s growing stature, bringing an international flair to the skies of Andalusia and reinforcing its status as a must-see for anyone passionate about flight.
This Spanish debut is the team’s second confirmed display for the 2025 season, following their previous confirmation by the RAF Cosford Airshow in the UK. The timing couldn’t be more fitting, as 2025 also marks the 10th anniversary of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team’s creation—a milestone that adds extra weight to their performance in Motril. Since its inception, the team has honed its craft, evolving into one of Europe’s most dynamic demonstration units, and this year’s shows are poised to celebrate that decade of excellence.
Leading the charge will be Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, the team’s demo pilot and a veteran aviator with hundreds of hours logged on the F-16. With a wealth of experience from NATO exercises, Major Krakowian is no stranger to high-stakes flying. For Motril, he’s prepared a brand-new 10-minute routine that’s set to raise the bar. Unlike the displays seen in 2017 and 2018, this performance will be noticeably more aggressive and dynamic, pushing the F-16’s capabilities to the limit with a series of jaw-dropping maneuvers. It’s a fresh take designed to thrill the Spanish crowd and showcase what this fighter—and its pilot—can really do.
The aircraft itself is a standout, not just for its performance but for its aesthetics. The tiger-inspired livery, with its sleek gray tones and bold feline motifs, transforms the F-16 into a moving piece of art. It’s more than just a paint job—it’s a nod to the team’s heritage within the NATO Tiger Association and a symbol of the ferocity they bring to every flight. When that jet streaks across the sky, it’ll be impossible to miss.
Backing Major Krakowian is a skilled technical crew, ensuring every aspect of the aircraft is in top shape for the demonstration. The team will touch down in Spain aboard a C-130 Hercules, their logistical lifeline for the trip. This support aircraft will carry the gear and personnel needed to keep the F-16 running smoothly, highlighting the meticulous planning behind such a high-profile performance.
For the Motril festival, the arrival of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team is a game-changer. It’s a rare chance for Spanish aviation fans to see one of Europe’s premier demo teams up close, and it cements the event’s reputation as a heavyweight in the international airshow scene. The local audience, many of whom have followed the team’s exploits from afar, will finally get to experience the roar of that engine and the precision of those maneuvers firsthand.
As June 29, 2025, draws closer, the excitement is palpable. The Polish Air Force’s F-16 Tiger Demo Team is ready to make its mark on Motril, blending raw power, expert skill, and a touch of artistry in the air. Attendees can expect a heart-pounding show that’ll echo across the Tropical Coast, leaving the Mediterranean sky etched with memories of a truly unforgettable performance. For aviation enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this debut is shaping up to be one for the books.
For more information on the Festival Aéreo Internacional de Motril, visit the official website by clicking here.
