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Italy to showcase unique air and ground technology as the Special Partner Nation

This year’s Special Partner Nation of NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days will present itself in grand style. Mošnov Airport will host equipment from three out of the four branches of the Italian Armed Forces, as well as representatives of the special forces. Visitors can look forward to a diverse display of Italian capabilities – from state-of-the-art multirole aircraft and legendary combat machines to ground equipment never before seen in the Czech Republic.

The main attraction of Italy’s static display will undoubtedly be the rare AV-8B Harrier II of the Italian Navy. This is one of the few aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing, enabling operations from smaller aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers, and its appearances in Europe have become a real rarity. The aircraft was last seen in the Czech Republic 15 years ago under the flag of the Royal Air Force – the presentation of the Italian variant will thus mark its absolute premiere in the country.

The Italian Air Force has prepared equally attractive demonstrations. Its static displays will feature the future of the Czech Air Force – the cutting-edge fifth-generation multirole fighter F-35 Lightning II – alongside the rare twin-engine Panavia Tornado combat aircraft and the legendary C-130J Super Hercules turboprop transport plane. The Air Force will also take to the skies with several flight demonstrations. The supersonic category will be represented by a dynamic display of the twin-engine multirole Eurofighter Typhoon, while the jet trainer Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master will showcase subsonic jet capabilities. A unique performance will also be delivered by the C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, which, despite its considerable size, will surprise audiences with agility and energetic maneuvers.

“Italy’s defense industry has long ranked among the most advanced in the world, and this year’s role as Special Partner Nation of NATO Days is clear proof,” says Zbyněk Pavlačík, the event’s main organizer. “Thanks to its technological autonomy, Italy develops and manufactures much of its own equipment. Visitors will thus have a unique opportunity to witness a broad spectrum of Italian technical capabilities, which may undoubtedly serve as inspiration for other NATO member states – and at the same time see in action equipment rarely displayed outside of Italy.”

The unique showcase of the Italian Armed Forces will not end with the Air Force and Navy. The Italian Army will bring to Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava two exhibits that will be absolute novelties for Czech audiences. On static display will be the C1 Ariete main battle tank and the B1 Centauro eight-wheeled tank destroyer. With a fleet of 200 Ariete tanks, Italy’s armored units are built on this platform, combining high firepower with crew protection suited to modern conflicts. Moreover, 125 of them are currently undergoing modernization to the latest C2 standard. By contrast, the Centauro provides a lighter, faster, and more mobile alternative, capable of effectively engaging armored targets with its cannon while maintaining agility both in the field and on roads. This tandem will offer an intriguing comparison of two distinct approaches to ground warfare, making their presentation a highlight of the entire ground display.

A special guest at this year’s edition will be the Italian special forces. Interestingly, they do not form a separate branch of the Italian Armed Forces, but rather comprise units drawn from the Navy, Air Force, Army, and the Carabinieri. They are renowned not only for their exceptional professionalism but also for their extensive experience from international missions. Their presence at NATO Days provides a rare opportunity to gain insight into the world of elite military training.

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