The Royal International Air Tattoo has announced its return for 2027 with the reveal of a headline theme – a celebration of NATO's historic Tiger Association.
RIAT27 is set to 'burst into life with colour, character and heritage' with Tiger Gathering, a special anniversary meet of the association's specially painted, tiger-striped aircraft.
Renowned for its 'spirit of camaraderie, professionalism and creativity', the Tiger Association was originally established to improve relationships between individual squadrons within NATO, with the striking tiger markings of its aircraft one of its most celebrated traditions.
Marking 50 years since the Silver Tiger Trophy – now awarded at every tiger meet – was originally presented by RIAT to the association, the team says visitors can expect a vibrant line-up of aircraft from across the alliance.
The early announcement comes after the world's biggest military airshow was cancelled for 2026, due to the use of its RAF Fairford base by the US Air Force for operations in the Middle East.
Expressing the team's disappointment, CEO of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Gavin Gager, vowed to make sure the event comes back 'stronger than ever' next year.
Peter Reoch, head of air operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: 'The 50th anniversary of the Silver Tiger Trophy is a fantastic milestone and a brilliant opportunity for us to celebrate the heritage and enduring spirit of the NATO Tiger Association at RIAT.
'The Tiger Meet community is renowned for its energy, colour and personality. Bringing that to RIAT means our visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience – a ramp full of some of the most eye-catching military aircraft anywhere in the world.'
The team says Tiger Gathering will be just one part of what promises to be an 'exciting and varied' programme at next year's event, with further themes and attractions to be announced later this year.
'It takes years of planning to deliver an event on the scale of RIAT,' Peter added.
'Although RIAT27 may seem some way off, our team is already working hard to shape an exceptional show.
'Alongside Tiger Gathering, we have several other exciting themes in development, and we look forward to sharing more details as plans continue to take shape.'
For more information about next year's event, including the latest aircraft updates, visit airtattoo.com.
