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Sky over Mošnov Airport got covered with poppies

A unique historical flypast of 16 different types of aircraft and helicopters accompanied by tones of Smetana's Vltava represented an introduction to the XVIII. NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days and envisaged the programme dedicated to the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia and its armed forces. First day of this extraordinary weekend show taking place at Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport welcomed 95,000 visitors.

Part of this historical flypast, an exceptional experience, was to watch the drop of thousands of symbolic poppies up in the sky, remembering all war victims in the last 100 years, and the drawing of a tricolour of the Czech statehood by Mi-24/35 helicopter of the Czech Air Force. In total of 20 countries took part in this year's programme, which was enriched by historical expositions and equipment and where the United States took over the role of the Special Partner Nation.

Even the night rain did not prevent the launch of the biggest security show in Europe and the venue got quickly filled with visitors who could have seen both dynamic and static displays. For example, there were dozens of enthusiasts waiting in a queue to get inside the second largest transport aircraft of the US Air Force, C-17 Globemaster III, and B-52H strategic bomber.

The look at the aircrew of Apache AH-64 attack helicopters in cavalry hats then resembled the scene from famous movie Apocalypse Now by F.F. Coppola. Between contemporary ground forces equipment including M1 Abrams main battle tank and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, there was also historical equipment situated in the venue which reminded of the technological progress that armed forces have undergone in the last several decades.

During the day, the skies were filled with a range of both contemporary and historical aircraft not only in individual, but also group displays. The latter was performed by the Wings of Storm aerobatic team of the Croatian Air Force, which debuted at NATO Days this year, and Polish White-Red Sparks with their thrilling accompanying music. Both groups received a well-deserved applause from visitors. 

From the individual performances, one can emphasize, for example, premiere dynamic displays of Polish and Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcons or Spanish and British display pilots flying their Eurofighter Typhoons. Nonetheless, the dynamic display of Czech Capt. Ivo Kardoš who brought thunder with its JAS-39 Gripen over Mošnov Airport should not be ommited either.

Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of formation of Czechoslovakia and its armed forces was also evident at static expositions where thanks to cooperation with the Silesian Museum, there was a large space provided to historical military equipment and its replicas with the participation of clubs of military history supporters. Visitors thus had the unique opportunity to have a closer look at, for example, famous Czechoslovak tank LT-38, Soviet tank T-34 or replicas of Jak-3 and Spitfire Mk. IX aircraft.

The biggest security show in Europe has on its account first successful day. Tomorrow, entrances of Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport open again at 8.30AM and an attractive programme as well as good weather forecast prompt another unforgettable experience. Where else you can see to such an extent equipment of so many armed and security branches than at NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days.

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NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days!

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