The first Cosford Airshow took place on 3 June 1978, although a lot has changed since then, the base have built on 46 years of experience when planning their event. They have developed excellent links within the local area and are well practised in hosting fast jets and larger display aircraft at nearby bases, primarily RAF Shawbury. The neighbouring RAF Museum has been open since 1974 and has always been a key part of the air show by opening it’s hangars and rolling out some of it’s very special aircraft for static ground displays.

The static area is a great strength of the show, there is plenty to do on the ground for all the family. Guests were able to get close to the cutting edge of technology with RAF aircraft & unique attractions across the showground. There was also a whole hangar dedicated to STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths looking to inspire the next generation of RAF personnel. Plenty of non-aviation things to see too, including an impressive line up of 7 DeLorean’s, sadly none fitted with a Flux Capacitor.

However, for those interested in time travel, you could visit the Vintage Village, an area on the showground full or reenactors, living history groups and vintage vehicles. Always great to catch up with our friends form Up an’ at ‘em History who were this year regretting the choice of portraying air crew from the tropics as the cool wind whistled through the air base. It was also to see a great range of aircraft supporting this display, most notably the prominent Desert Scheme Spitfire and Battle of Britian Hawker Hurricane having flown in especially.

The other aircraft on static display at today’s show included a great range of ex-RAF Harriers, tornadoes, Seakings, Hawks and Jaguars, all curtesy of Cosford’s engineering school. The museum also wheeled out a few incredible aircraft to join the show. Most notably was the British Aerospace EAP, the prototype that led to the Typhoon which was parked next to an example of the iconic Eurofighter for the first time.

The theme for 2025 was ‘Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate.’ The show aimed to commemorate RAF history through displays in the air and on the ground; Celebrate the Royal Air Force, NATO Allies and Partner nations; And inspire future generations by showcasing how the armed forces innovate together and with Defence sector partners. The show attracted over 50,000 people and with a very promising line-up it was no surprise that all tickets were sold well in advance of the day.

Inevitably, there were some cancellations in the flying display; The Great War Display Team would have been a fantastic way to commemorate the air force’s past but sadly high winds prevented them from making it. Meanwhile the much-anticipated Apache role demo was also cancelled due to an issue with the aircraft and finally, the French Rafale was unable to attend due to a technical issue. However, the air show organisers factor in that there will be last minute drop-outs and always have a plan B. As such, the team were able to offer a packed flying display lasting just over 5 hours.

As is Cosford tradition, the flying display kicked off with the RAF Falcons. The official parachute team never disappoint, despite fairly high winds the parachutists were able to perform the drop and display with their usual precision, meeting up mid-air for a range of display formations. Somehow, despite the conditions they all managed to effortlessly land on point and quickly detach themselves for the salute, marking the end of their display and the beginning of the show.

In line with the ‘commemorate’ theme we were given two different displays from the Battle of Britian Memorial Flight. The first, was the traditional Lancaster and two fighter formation arriving right over the crowd to begin a dynamic performance. A few passes with the Spitfire and Hurricane close by before the team separate from a series of solo manoeuvres. Later in the day, two different Spitfires a little and flick the agile World War Two fighters around the skies.

There were plenty more opportunities to hear the sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin and to catch Second World War fighters in action. The Royal Netherlands Historic Flight made a rare UK appearance with their stunning MkIX Spitfire, it was a pleasure for Airscene to meet the pilot (callsign Deuce) and team before the display. Elsewhere in the show we also got to ‘celebrate’ our links with the USA with fantastic displays from the Republic Thunderbolt and North American Mustang, the latter whistling through the skies with the unique sound of the air flowing over the gunports.  

Cosford always attracts a few stellar international acts for the flying display and this year was no exception. Melanie Astles provided a brilliant show with her Extra 300. The Swiss PC-7 Display Team provided some superb aerobatics and were one of the many highlights of the afternoon. The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Solo Demo Team with their pilot callsign ‘Slab’ injected a bit of noise and energy into the proceedings with a dynamic performance. We also saw a unique flypast from the Royal Netherlands Air Force A330 MRTT, although the timing of this higher level flight was unfortunate for the photographers who battled with challenging skies and changing light all day.

There was plenty of variation in the show too, the Royal Navy sent their brilliant Wildcat helicopter demonstration team and their historic partners provided the iconic Swordfish too. It was also a pleasure to see the Chipmunk duo in their ever developing routine and the Bird Dog and Harvard demonstrated some more historic American designs.

Of course, this crowd, largely comprised of families were here primarily to see the modern RAF in action. The Chinook role demo was a great was a great way to close the show, always incredible to see what these aircraft do on operations. A rare glimpse behind the scenes. The two primary fast jets, the Typhoon and F35 Lighting II were also present and correct, the later limited to a fast flypast and hover. New Typhoon pilot, Sqn Ldr Nathan Shawyer has added his own twists and turns to a well-established display, the crowd responded well to his deafening arrival and dramatic departure vertically into the clouds. Finally, no RAF show could be complete without their official display team the Red Arrows, who were as flawless as ever – the perfect inspiration for all the young future pilots and engineers in the crowd.

Gaps left by last minute cancellations were seamlessly plugged by last minute replacements to provide another jam-packed flying display. Hats off to the organisers. The showground had plenty on offer too and a great day was had by all. The show will return next year on June Sunday 16th June 2026 – save the date!

Review by Lee Chapman.