A rare jet-powered fighter will be taking to the skies in a UK first as part of this year's Royal International Air Tattoo. 

Organisers say it will be a historic moment after announcing that a Messerschmitt Me262 will be participating in this year’s flying display, across both Saturday and Sunday. 

This will be the first time an Me262 - well known for its role in the Second World War - has been displayed at an airshow in the UK.

The aircraft holds special significance as the first operational jet-powered fighter in aviation history. 

Since then, five replicas of the jet have been built from scratch using fragment drawings in a process in a multiyear restoration process, with the maiden flight of the aircraft featuring in this year’s Air Tatto.

Peter Reochh, head of air operations at the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, said seeing the Me262 take to the skies will be one of the flying display highlights at this year’s show:

“Visitors to the Air Tattoo are used to seeing the power and agility of modern jet aircraft such as the Typhoon and Gripen in our flying display, so we’re excited to be able to show them something very different with the Me262.

“Overall, the flying display programme for RIAT 2023 is coming together nicely, with something for everyone to enjoy, and plenty more displays still to be announced.”

Earlier this month the airshow, which attracts 200,000 people to RAF Fairford every year, announced the iconic Harrier jump jet will also be taking part in this year’s flying display, courtesy of the Spanish Navy, alongside crowd favourites such as the Red Arrows and a host of other aircraft.

CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, Michael Schöllhorn added: "The Messerschmitt Me262 has never been displayed at a UK airshow before and we at Airbus Defence and Space, as the successor company of Messerschmitt, are honoured to bring it from its home in Manching, Bavaria to aviation enthusiasts and airshow attendees at RIAT this summer.

“The Me262 as the first series production jet engine fighter plane represents a milestone in aeronautical technology. It is a privilege to welcome the legendary Me262 to the UK skies."

Tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo are still available via www.airtattoo.com/tickets.