RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025
Article by Caelan McDougall, Nate Newman
Images by Caelan McDougall, Nate Newman, Lachy McKay, and Beau Ellis
The 2025 RAAF Richmond Airshow went off with a bang this year. With tickets selling out within days of being released, excitement filled the air on day one of the show. On display was an example of almost every aircraft in the RAAF inventory along with displays from a plethora of other organisations.
The 2025 show is the first airshow at Richmond since 2006. This year's show marked 100 years of RAAF Base Richmond, which is the second oldest base in Australia having been in consistent use since 1925. RAAF Base Point Cook is the only base which beats it, opening in 1913. Richmond is not unfamiliar to airshows having hosted the Australian Bicentennial Airshow in 1988, and the RAAF's 70th Anniversary Airshow in 1991.
Opening the display both days was the 37 Squadron C130, who conducted a flypast at the conclusion of the National Anthem. Following this the C130 returned for a handling demonstration which showcased the incredible maneuverability, and power the aircraft has. The C-130 is an Air Force staple of Richmond, having been stationed at the base since their introduction in 1958.
Following the C130, the NSW Rural Fire Service displayed their CH-47 Chinook, conducting a high speed pass, followed by a water drop and hover. Carrying over 11,000L of water or retardant, the Chinook is a game changer in the rotary wing firefighting world.
Next up was the Air Force’s 100SQN. 100SQN is the RAAF’s heritage squadron, operating a wide selection of historic RAAF aircraft. Flying under the callsign “Heritage” we saw the CT4A, North American AT-6D Harvard, and the CAC Wirraway. In a tight formation the trio conducted numerous passes giving the crowd a taste of the RAAF’s extensive history.
After the 100SQN trio completed their display, the RAAF Roulettes took to the skies to showcase their impressive formation aerobatic routine. Established in 1970, the Roulettes are always a crowd favourite at Australian airshows. The Roulettes are a team of seven experienced instructors from the Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Sale. Flying the Pilatus PC-21, the team perform as low as 250ft, pulling up to 6g, and travelling as fast as 250 knots all while flying around 3 meters from each other.
After a short break, the E-7A Wedgtail entered the display box for its handling display. Entering service in 2009 the Wedgetail is a key asset in the fleet, being designed specifically to meet the requirements of the RAAF. The E-7A has a storied history with the RAAF having seen combat operations in the Middle East and Europe, as well as being highly sought after aircraft in international exercises due to its advanced capabilities.
Closely following the E-7A, ‘KP’ roared into the box in the F-35A. Entering service in 2018, the RAAF operates a fleet of 72 F-35A as its frontline fighter force. Kurt “KP” Pearce is the current display pilot, having taken the reins from previous pilot Ross Bowman in early 2024. KP’s display featured all the signature moves of a fighter jet, from sharp minimum radius turns to fast passes nearing the speed of sound. Undoubtedly being the loudest aircraft at the show, the Lightning II left crowds in awe of its ability, with KP finishing his display pulling hard into the vertical exit, dropping flares and nearing 9G as he did so.
The focus turned back to airlift aircraft next with 35SQN’s C-27J Spartan. Being built by Italian company Alenia, the C-27 was chosen by the Air Force to replace their aging DHC-4 Caribou aircraft, with the first Spartan being delivered in 2015. The display featured high speed passes and slow turns, as well as an airdrop of the Air Force’s “Helibox” cargo.
Continuing the airlift focus, the C-17A showed off its fighter-like handling conducting a high speed pass, followed by a slow pass that rivaled some of the smaller aircraft at the show.
Back to the fast jet action, next on the list was Pilot ‘Woody’ and WSO ‘Langas’ in their F/A-18F Super Hornet. Operated by 1SQN at RAAF Base Amberley, the Super Hornet was first delivered to Australia in March 2010. Since then, it has served as a key part of Australia’s fleet alongside its sister, the E/A-18G Growler Electronic Attack Aircraft. For Richmond’s 100 year anniversary, ‘Woody’ and ‘Langas’ pulled out all the stops, showcasing every possible part of the Super Hornet to the thousands of onlookers below. Featuring countless flare drops and the consistent loud roar of afterburners, it was impossible to not be left amazed at the impact this jet left.
Turning the attention away from fast jets, the P-8A Poseidon came to show centre late in the afternoon. Entering service with the RAAF in 2016, the Poseidon is the Air Force’s primary maritime patrol and response aircraft, replacing the long-serving AP-3C Orion. Designed to conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and surveillance missions, the P-8A has quickly proven itself as a versatile and indispensable asset. With a growing fleet based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the Poseidon has already supported operations at home and abroad, and is a regular participant in multinational exercises, where its advanced sensors and mission systems are highly valued by both the RAAF and its allies.
The closing display of day one was the BAe Systems Hawk Mk.127. Flown by 76SQN and 79SQN out of RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Pearce respectively, the Hawk is used by the Air Force as a lead-in fighter trainer to the Super Hornet, Growler, and Lightning II aircraft. Light and agile, the Hawk screamed through the skies, the sound of a single non-afterburning turbofan piercing the Hawkesbury skies. A fitting end to the day, the Hawk was most definitely a crowd favourite.
During the show unfortunately the MH-60R Seahawk was scrubbed due to a technical issue. Day two featured a similar lineup, however was unfortunately cut short due to impending weather. Overall the 2025 RAAF Richmond airshow was a fantastic day out for all attendees.
