Rafale Solo Display Team Confirmed for RAF Cosford Airshow 2025
The organisers of the RAF Cosford Airshow have officially confirmed the second foreign fast jet solo display for the 2025 event, spotlighting the celebrated Rafale Solo Display Team. Hot on the heels of last week’s announcement confirming the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team, this latest addition signals an exciting international flair for next year’s show.
Set in the historic surroundings of RAF Cosford in Shropshire, the 2025 edition is gearing up to be a standout celebration of aviation excellence. Known for its rich heritage and top-tier facilities, this beloved airshow continues to draw enthusiasts from far and wide, eager to experience a day packed with aerial brilliance.
Rafale Solo Display / Duxford Summer Airshow 2024
Fresh off the confirmation of the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team, the inclusion of the Rafale Solo Display Team marks a rare treat—two foreign fast jet solo displays gracing the same event. This underscores the airshow’s rising global appeal and the deep ties between the RAF and its allied forces. The RAF Cosford team couldn’t hide their enthusiasm, sharing in a recent X post, “We are excited to announce that the @Armee_de_lair Rafale Solo display shall be returning to RAF Cosford Air Show 2025.” That excitement echoes across the aviation community, with fans buzzing in anticipation of what’s to come.
At the heart of this announcement is the Rafale Solo Display Team, a French Air and Space Force team famed for its jaw-dropping performances. The star of their show, the Dassault Rafale, is a twin-engine, canard delta wing marvel built by Dassault Aviation. This multirole fighter is a powerhouse, designed for everything from air supremacy and reconnaissance to ground support and nuclear deterrence, packing a versatile punch that makes it a standout at any airshow. True to tradition, the team unveils a new special livery each season, and 2025 will be no exception. Expect a striking, fresh design on their Rafale that’s sure to captivate onlookers at Cosford—a visual treat to match their dynamic display.
RAF Cosford itself is a name steeped in aviation legacy. Nestled in Shropshire, England, it’s home to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, where a vast collection of aircraft and exhibits tells the story of flight through the ages. This makes it an ideal spot for the airshow, the only one still directly run by the RAF. It’s a unique chance to get up close with the RAF’s capabilities, blending history with the cutting edge of today’s air force.
The 2025 RAF Cosford Airshow is shaping up to continue its tradition of excellence. Carrying the theme “Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate,” this year’s event will honour aviation’s past, highlight today’s RAF and allied strengths, and spark inspiration with forward-looking technology. Beyond the thrills, it’s a window into the RAF’s vital role in protecting the UK, brought to life through interactive exhibits, static aircraft, and electrifying aerial displays that pull you right into the action.
The lineup for 2025 is already stacked with talent, weaving together historic, civilian, and military aircraft in a rich tapestry of flight. Kicking off with the past, the Great War Display Team will bring World War I to life with their replica fleet, featuring the Nieuport 17, Fokker Dr1, RAF SE5a, and Junkers CL1. This group is all about keeping that era’s aviation alive—their shows are as much a history lesson as they are a thrill, honoring the courage and ingenuity of early pilots. Moving to World War II, Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd will roll out the North American P-51D Mustang and Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, while the Vampire Preservation Group adds the de Havilland Vampire T11 to the mix.
On the ground, history buffs can feast their eyes on treasures like the Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina from Plane Sailing, the Douglas C-47A Skytrain from Aero Legends, and a pair of Boeing Stearman Kaydets courtesy of Stijn De Jaeghere and Kennet Aviation. Mark Bennett’s Supermarine Spitfire IX rounds out the static display, a timeless icon up close.
Civilian aviation gets its moment too, with Melanie Astles set to dazzle in her Extra 330SC, showcasing aerobatic mastery. Meanwhile, Hebridean Air Services will have their Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander on show, adding a practical touch to the lineup.
The military contingent is powerhouse-packed, starting with the Army Air Corps’ Leonardo Wildcat AH1 from 1 Regiment. The RAF brings its A-game with the Red Arrows, nine BAE Hawk T1s painting the sky with precision. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will stir hearts with the Avro Lancaster B1, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane IIc, and Douglas Dakota III—a moving tribute to World War II’s heroes that hits you right in the chest. Modern muscle comes via the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 from 29 (R) Squadron and the Boeing Chinook HC6/A from Joint Aviation Command. The Swiss Air Force’s PC-7 Team, with nine Pilatus PC-7s, joins the Polish F-16 and French Rafale to round out a truly international military showcase.
With the RAF Cosford Airshow 2025 drawing near, the buzz is undeniable. This mix of historic gems, civilian flair, and military might, capped by world-class aerial displays, promises something special for aviation fans of all stripes. Tickets are already up for grabs online through the official website—£40 for adults, with kids 15 and under free alongside a paying adult. Hospitality options are there for those wanting a premium view. Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 8, 2025, and get ready for a day at RAF Cosford that’ll leave you talking about it for years.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official RAF Cosford Airshow website by clicking here.
