RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025

Held over the weekend of 27-28 September 2025, the RAAF Richmond Airshow celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force base. Around 40,000 people attended each day making it a huge success. Most of the current RAAF fleet of aircraft were represented, along with a small selection of warbirds.

Ground Displays

The ground displays covered RAAF aircraft from trainers to combat aircraft. As RAAF Base Richmond is the home of No. 37 Squadron, there were many of its C-130J Hercules on display. Several were on the tarmac, while others were inside the maintenance hangar. One of the Hercules outside could be entered giving visitors a chance to see the inside of this transport aircraft. Similarly, the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III could also be entered.

The RAAF’s fast jets were represented by an F/A-18G Growler (an electronic warfare aircraft), and an F-35A Lightning II (stealth fighter). Also on static display were the P-8A Poseidon (patrol and reconnaissance aircraft) and E-7A Wedgetail (airborne early warning and control aircraft).

Additionally, the RAAF’s current training aircraft the Pilatus PC-21 was on display. One was parked in the viewing area, while six others from the RAAF’s aerobatic team the Roulettes were near the runway.

The Hercules’ smaller cousin the Alenia C-27J Spartan was on display and could also be entered to take a closer look. Helicopters weren’t forgotten with the Royal Australian Navy having a Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk near the warbird section, while the NSW Rural Fire Service had its Boeing CH-47D HT211 Chinook on the flightline. The Chinook later put on a great aerial display.

Warbird Displays

Only around half a dozen warbirds were on display but they were still great to see. A Harvard training (an ex-RNZAF example), along with its Australian built and modified version the Wirraway were next to each other. Also in the display area were a Lockheed SP-2H Neptune and Douglas C-47 Dakota. Something very unusual though was the flying replica of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s Southern Cross (a Fokker F.VIIb/3m), the first aircraft to fly across the Pacific (in 1928).

Flying Displays

The highlight of any airshow are the flying displays and the RAAF didn’t disappoint. Most of the RAAF’s inventory performed flypasts, while the more agile F/A-18s and F-35 performing amazing manoeuvres. However, possibly the best was the white and red painted Chinook performing its firebombing role. It demonstrated dropping its 11,000 litres (that’s 11 tonnes) of water.

Unfortunately, a forecast for a hailstorm caused the flying to end two hours early so we didn’t get to see the Roulettes. However, the safety of the pilots must come first.

We loved the airshow from the flying displays to the static ground aircraft. A great day out we thoroughly enjoyed even though it finished early.