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A quarter-century celebration was more than successful

The Sunday program of the jubilee 25th NATO Days in Ostrava and the 16th Czech Air Force Days took place today at Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport. After last year’s break, forced by catastrophic floods, Central Europe’s largest security show returned in full splendor, attracting approximately 150,000 visitors. The event has lost none of its shine - quite the opposite.

Given today’s dynamic security situation in Europe, this year’s motto “Our security cannot be taken for granted and there is no prosperity without security” resonates more urgently than ever before. Both public and expert debate about the necessity of high-quality joint as well as individual internal and external security is intensifying, and NATO Days continue to proudly serve as a platform to demonstrate its importance.

The meaning of the event was perhaps best captured by a mother who, standing with her school-aged daughter at the Army’s land forces display on Saturday, answered her curious question - “And why is this here?” - with a simple response: “So that we don’t have to be afraid that some villain will come and hurt us. And as long as there are evil people, there will be weapons and soldiers to defend us.” Pragmatically speaking, citizens as taxpayers should know what the Czech Republic, as well as its partners, have prepared for their defense. Visitors had the chance over the weekend to witness the very best demonstrations of training, weaponry, and equipment of armed and security forces, and other essential institutions without which no modern state can function. A record-breaking 20 hours of dynamic displays and several hundred pieces of equipment on static display gave visitors hardly a moment to rest, with accessible vehicles and aircraft constantly surrounded by eager crowds.

NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days are renowned among both audiences and participants for their friendly atmosphere. We admire the visitors who, despite the hot late-summer days, came to enjoy everything prepared for them, and we thank them for their long-standing loyalty. Since its first edition in 2001 at Ostrava’s Černá louka, the event has undergone a fundamental transformation - from featuring a single foreign participant, Poland, to this year’s involvement of 17 nations. What began as a flight display of one police helicopter has, after a quarter century, become a presentation of over 70 aircraft, including performances by three prestigious aerobatic teams: the Red Arrows, Turkish Stars, and Krila Oluje. To mark the jubilee, the legendary U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber and the unique AV-8B+ Harrier II of Italy, this year’s special partner nation, also took to the skies.

A huge thank-you goes to all participants of the 25th edition of Europe’s largest security showcase. Equally great thanks belong to the organizers, who tirelessly presented everything to visitors despite the above-average heat. The sheer number of people climbing into the vehicles and the long queues for their inspection speak for themselves.

Another key strength of the event was its safety, which was ensured on all fronts. The fact that not a single major security incident resulting in serious harm occurred during the entire event sets a high standard for future years. The show has evolved not only in scope but also in how visitors approach it. Many made use of enhanced public transport via buses and Czech Railways trains, cycled to the venue, and stored their bicycles in the secure “bike parks” operated by the Ostrava City Police. Over the weekend, more than 5,700 bicycles were stored there.

Although the gates of the event have only just closed and cleanup will continue for some time, organizers are already preparing the next editions. The event will continue to maintain its unique character as the largest and most comprehensive presentation of armed and security forces in Europe - and also the fact that entry has been, is, and will remain free of charge for all visitors.

See you at
the NATO Days in Ostrava
& Czech Air Force Days 2026!