Jet Blast Area - Albert Airshow 2025

The Meeting Aérien International de la Somme returned to Albert-Méaulte Airport on 23–24 August 2025, and once again kept its promise of being one of France’s most balanced and photogenic airshows of the summer. Known for its intimate setting and its unique evening display, the Albert airshow continues to blend heritage, high-performance jets, and that unmistakable late-summer light of northern France.

This year’s lineup proved one of Albert’s strongest to date. The French Air Force Rafale Solo Display tore through the Somme skies with its renowned precision, piloted by Capitaine Mimouss, while the Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team, Czech Gripen and Slovenian PC-9 added an international punch. Aerobatic flair came from the Royal Jordanian Falcons, Equipe de Voltige de l’Armée de l’Air, Patrouille de France and YakoTeam, each putting on tight, crowd-pleasing performances.

On the historic side, the Junkers Ju 52, Spitfire Mk Vc, Hawker Hurricane and a of course the local-based MD311 Flamant from the Amicale des Avions Anciens d'Albert association brought a living-museum quality to the flightline. The great heavy hitters were the A400M Atlas Tactical Display and French Navy E-2C Hawkeye, both delivering rare tactical displays that underscored how far Albert has come from its small-show origins. The Marine Nationale also provided one of their five Falcon 10 serving as liaison plane, and which performed a nice display routine. The Alençon air museum sent their newly-acquired Conair Turbo Firecat, locally named Tracker, and retired from the French Sécurité Civile with the rest of the fleet in 2020.

The Albert Airshow 2025 reaffirmed its place among France’s must-see aviation events. It’s still friendly, still accessible, but now world-class. For photographers, the close access to the runway and apron offered countless unique angles, while the evening show, running into the night, provided rare opportunities for twilight pictures and striking night shots of every aircraft in the lineup.

To see my pictures about the previous editions in 2019 & 2021, visit this link.

French Navy E-2C Hawkeye crews arriving before the demo

French Navy Flotille 4F mechanics doing pre-flight checks on the Hawkeye before the demo

Among the highlights of the 2025 Albert Airshow was the unmistakable silhouette of the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye from the French Navy’s Flottille 4F, based at BAN Lann-Bihoué. For many visitors, it was a rare opportunity to see this carrier-borne command aircraft up close:far from its usual home aboard the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

The Hawkeye is often described as the fleet’s “flying control tower.” Its rotating radar dome houses a powerful surveillance system capable of detecting and tracking aircraft, ships, and missiles hundreds of kilometers away. In French service, the E-2C provides airborne early warning, airspace management, and coordination of fighter operations, linking seamlessly with Rafales flying from the carrier or from land bases. It also plays a key role in joint and NATO operations, offering situational awareness to allied forces over sea or land. The aircraft can often be seen during NATO Tiger Meets, such as in 2023 edition in Gioia Del Colle: see Jet Blast Area's report here.

At Albert, the aircraft stood out not only for its technical importance but for its visual presence: folded wings, twin turboprops, and the iconic dish-shaped radar dome. On the ground, the crew of Flottille 4F embodied the open, approachable spirit that makes this show so popular. They spent generous time with enthusiasts and photographers, answering questions, posing for photos, and proudly explaining their mission.

Friendly crews from the Flotille 4F of the French Navy in Albert, in front of their E-2C Hawkeye

Captain Jan Ratz, Czech Air Force Gripen Solo Display pilot for the 2025-2026 seasons, in front of its plane

One of the most anticipated visitors to the 2025 Albert Airshow was the Czech Air Force Saab JAS 39C Gripen, resplendent in its special NATO Tiger Meet livery. Painted in striking blue and red with Tiger motifs, the aircraft instantly drew attention on the static line — a perfect symbol of the show’s international character and of the Czech 211th Tactical Squadron’s proud place within the Tiger community.

Unfortunately, mechanical issues grounded the jet early in the weekend, preventing the much-anticipated solo display by demo pilot Captain Jan Ratz. For many enthusiasts, it was a disappointment not to see the agile Swedish-built fighter tear across the Somme skies, but the aircraft’s presence on the apron remained one of the most photographed moments of the event. Even motionless, the Gripen’s sleek lines and vivid paintwork made it a standout under the shifting light of the evening show.

True to the open spirit of the airshow, Jan Ratz proved exceptionally friendly and engaging, taking time to meet with visitors and photographers throughout the weekend. On Saturday night, he even allowed an exclusive night portrait session beside his aircraft — a rare and memorable gesture that turned a grounded jet into one of the show’s most personal highlights.

The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team delivered one of the most powerful performances of the 2025 Albert Airshow, showcasing the full capability of the F-16C Block 52+ Fighting Falcon. Flying the team’s beautiful Tiger livery, the jet’s polished presentation and raw energy made it a clear highlight of the weekend. Each pass combined precision and controlled aggression: tight turns and full-afterburner climbs that lit up the Somme sky.

At the controls was Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, the team’s demo pilot whose confidence and clarity over the display line reflected both skill and pride. His display at Albert was, as many later reflected, among his finest: a routine that embodied professionalism, passion, and the unmistakable rhythm of the Tiger spirit.

Tragically, just one week after the show, Captain “Slab” lost his life in an accident during the rehearsals of the Radom airshow in Poland. The news sent a wave of grief through the European airshow community and among those who had met him at Albert. Many remembered his kindness on the ground: approachable, humble, and generous with his time for photographs and conversation even after a demanding flight. At Albert, the roar of his F-16 over the Somme left a lasting impression. Today, that sound echoes as a tribute — not only to his skill in the cockpit, but to the camaraderie and passion that unite airmen and enthusiasts across borders.

Blue skies, Slab.