News
Modernization as the central topic of the Czech Army's presentation
The Army of the Czech Republic is not only one of the main organizers of NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days but also a major participant without whom the event would be hard to imagine. This year, the Czech military’s presentation will be centered around modernization.
The army’s traditional participation will thus not only demonstrate its current capabilities but also highlight the future of its armament. For the first time, a dedicated exhibition will focus on modernization projects, offering visitors the opportunity to explore both air and ground equipment currently being acquired, which will form the backbone of Czech defense in the years to come.
“The Czech Republic is undergoing an intensive modernization process, and we are very pleased to have put together such a diverse and attractive program, where Czech taxpayers can see firsthand what modern equipment is being procured for the country’s defense,” comments Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000. “The chance to become familiar with the most important modernization projects in one place is absolutely unique in the Czech context, and we believe visitors will take full advantage of it.”
A significant portion of the program will be dedicated to the Air Force. For the first time, the new assets of the 22nd Helicopter Air Base – the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper – will join dynamic demonstrations, performing a combat assault together with the 7th Mechanized Brigade. The static display will feature the future of the transport fleet in a company presentation – the Embraer C-390 Millennium. A major highlight will also be the demonstration of the SPYDER air defense missile system, complemented by the MADR radar from the 26th Command, Control and Surveillance Regiment, the DPET passive surveillance system, and the STARKOM jammer from the 53rd Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Regiment.
The ground forces will also deliver an attractive showcase. The dynamic display will feature the debut of a Leopard 2A4 tank recently acquired for the 7th Mechanized Brigade, presented in an engaging tandem with the retiring BVP-2 vehicles. In line with the Czech Republic’s NATO commitment to build a heavy brigade by 2026, visitors will also see the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle and Leopard 2A8 tank – both presented in company configurations by BAE Systems and KNDS.
A traditional highlight of the aerial program will be the performance of the supersonic JAS-39 Gripen from the 211th Tactical Squadron, soon to be replaced by the F-35 Lightning II. This year, it will feature the first display flight of its new pilot, Jan Ratz. Adding an emotional touch will be the performance of the W-3A Sokol rescue helicopter from the 24th Transport Air Base, which, due to its gradual retirement, may well appear at NATO Days for the last time.
See you at
the NATO Days in Ostrava
& Czech Air Force Days!