News

25th NATO Days in Ostrava take off with stunning aerobatic performances

With the participation of the highest representatives of the state, region, municipalities, and the armed forces, the 25th NATO Days in Ostrava and the 16th Czech Air Force Days were successfully launched today. Under the flags of 17 partner nations, the NATO, and under the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic, the largest security show in Europe began. In very warm late-summer sunshine, nearly 100,000 visitors witnessed about half of the 19-hour program, during which more than 90 dynamic demonstrations will take place in total. Perhaps the greatest attention was drawn by the performances of three prestigious aerobatic teams – the British Red Arrows, the Turkish Stars, and Croatia’s Krila Oluje.

An inseparable part of the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days is the annual presentation of the Czech Armed Forces’ air and ground components. This year’s showcase reflects ongoing modernization efforts. In addition to a rich demonstration of current capabilities, visitors could also see equipment that has either recently entered service or is undergoing acquisition. For the first time, a separate static exhibition was created, allowing both ground and air technology to be displayed side by side.

The portfolio of dynamic demonstrations was no less varied. Within the air force section, the H-1 system helicopters Viper and Venom made their debut in a flyover and in a simulated strike on the front line of defensive positions, in cooperation with the 7th Mechanized Brigade and the 91st Information Warfare Group. The future of the heavy brigade, which the Czech Republic has committed to building within NATO, was represented by the army’s Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks already in service, as well as the newest Leopard 2A8 version from KNDS and the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle from BAE Systems - shown both in combined and solo demonstrations. Aircraft modernization was represented by AERO’s new trainer aircraft, the L-39 Skyfox.

The current conflict in Ukraine has, from a military-strategic point of view, emphasized the indispensable role of air defense systems. Therefore, the SPYDER missile system in the All-in-one configuration, the MADR radar, the STARKOM jammer, and the DPET passive surveillance system were among the technologies presented. Visitors were also surprised at the last moment by a glimpse of the near future of Czech military transport aviation: the KC-390 Millennium from Embraer, brought in by the Portuguese Air Force to Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava.

Although the greatest attention is usually given to the combat units of the ground and air forces, the NATO Days also highlight the support branches of the Czech Armed Forces. These are permanent participants and organizers without whom the event could not take place - and on whom the army’s functionality entirely depends. Once again, the Logistics Agency, the Communication and Information Systems Agency, the Military Medical Agency, the Military Police, and the Military Academy in Vyškov presented their work. A traditional participant was also one of the less visible components of the armed forces: the Castle Guard, which, in addition to its popular motorcycle unit performance, premiered its ceremonial unit.

This year’s NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days feature Italy as the special partner country. Italy is presenting three of its four armed service branches, as well as representatives of air force special units. Visitors can see a wide range of equipment, from state-of-the-art multirole aircraft and legendary strike jets to ground technology never before seen in the Czech Republic. Undoubtedly the greatest attraction is the rare Harrier II of the Italian Navy, famous for its vertical takeoff and landing capability. At the Mošnov airport, Italy is presenting two versions - seen in the dynamic display as the modernized AV-8B+ and, in the static exhibition, the even rarer two-seat trainer version TAV-8B. The portfolio of flying displays is further enriched by one of the most advanced trainers, the M-346 Master, the C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, and the legendary Eurofighter Typhoon. The already extensive presentation is complemented by a static display of today’s most advanced multirole fighter, the F-35A Lightning II, the outgoing PA-200 Tornado, as well as Italy’s own C1 Ariete main battle tank and B1 Centauro infantry fighting vehicle.

Germany, as every year, is also a major foreign participant. Its presentation of the Bundeswehr was not limited to its air force alone. It brought equipment and personnel from all key branches - army, air force, navy, and civil defense services. Representing air assets were the NH90 TTH helicopter, a unique demonstration of the Tiger attack helicopter, and the light EC-135 helicopter, covering both naval and land forces. The highlight of the static ground exhibits was heavy armored equipment, including the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer and the Leopard 2A7V main battle tank.

One of the central concepts of the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days is the unique opportunity for the public to get closer to the work of not only the armed forces but also security services. After a one-year break, visitors could once again see the importance and quality of their work first-hand. The Czech Police gave a top-notch presentation in cooperation with the Polish special unit JW AGAT, while the Prison Service, Customs Administration, Fire Rescue Service, and Ostrava Municipal Police also showcased their capabilities.

Given the favorable weather forecast and the highly attractive program, organizers expected high attendance. Although this prediction came true, it can be stated that the event passed without major health or other complications. Emergency medical services mainly dealt with cases of dehydration and overheating.

At 6:15 p.m., the event grounds at Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava in Mošnov closed for the day. The gates will reopen to visitors on Sunday at 8:30 a.m., once again offering the best of Europe’s largest security show.