The Royal Air Force (RAF) marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a low-level flypast showcasing its operational capabilities and historic heritage. On May 5, 2025, six waves of RAF aircraft took to the skies in a commemorative formation that includes both modern combat platforms and legendary World War II-era aircraft.
The formation flew over Buckingham Palace in London, marking the end of World War II in Europe and honoring the lasting legacy of those who served. The complete route also took the aircraft over southern England, including Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, before arriving in the capital city.
This year’s tribute offered a rare opportunity to witness a broad spectrum of RAF air power — from historic icons like the Lancaster bomber to today’s most advanced combat aircraft. The flypast, composed of six waves, included 23 aircraft drawn from across the RAF’s current and ceremonial fleets.
A nod to the past
- Avro Lancaster bomber — Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Coningsby
The iconic Lancaster, one of only two airworthy examples of the type in the world, leads the flypast as a living memorial to the RAF’s World War II legacy. Operated by the RAF in the 1940s, the Lancaster was instrumental in strategic bombing campaigns during the war and remains an enduring symbol of the RAF’s role in the Allied victory.
Here we go! 🇬🇧#VE80#VEDay80 pic.twitter.com/lS412ihcit
— RAF BBMF (@RAFBBMF) May 5, 2025
Strategic lift and global reach
- A330 Voyager (air-to-air refueling tanker) – RAF Brize Norton
- A400M Atlas (military transport aircraft) – RAF Brize Norton
- C-17 Globemaster III – RAF Brize Norton
These aircraft represent the RAF’s modern airlift and refueling capabilities, essential for expeditionary missions and humanitarian relief efforts across the globe.
Guardians of the skies and seas
- Poseidon MRA1 (maritime patrol aircraft) – RAF Lossiemouth
- 2 × Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 multirole fighters – RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby
This grouping underscored the RAF’s role in maritime surveillance and national air defense, a reflection of today’s integrated security priorities.
Eyes and fangs of the modern RAF
- RC-135 Rivet Joint (signals intelligence aircraft) – RAF Waddington
- 2 × F-35B Lightning multirole stealth fighters – RAF Marham
Combining advanced surveillance with fifth-generation strike capabilities, this formation emphasized the RAF’s role in contemporary information-led warfare.
A display of precision and power
- 9 × Hawk T1 jets – Red Arrows
- 4 × Typhoon FGR4 – RAF Waddington and RAF Coningsby
The Red Arrows, the RAF’s celebrated aerobatic team, closed the flypast in a rare formation with Typhoon jets.