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Germany continues to expand the technology on display as a special partner nation

The list of equipment presented by Germany is further expanding. At this year’s NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days, Germany will showcase a wide range of assets of its ground forces, Military Police and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). Despite the consistently exceptional scale of Germany's displays, this year will feature the largest amount of equipment in the event's history.

The number of dynamic demonstrations will also be unusually big. In tandem with the 42nd Mechanised Battalion of the Czech Army, a pair of Pandur II 8X8 and Puma infantry fighting vehicles will demonstrate combat overcoming of obstacles with the assistance of the Leguan bridge-laying vehicle. Additionally, the German Military Police will perform a solo demonstration, showcasing the forceful apprehension of a suspect using service dogs and an ENOK light armoured vehicle. The highlight, however, is a dynamic and static display of the rare Tiger attack helicopter.

“Security cooperation between the Czech Republic and Germany is at a very high level in many areas, and we are pleased to be able to show visitors of our event at least a small part of it,” says Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000. “Our German partners have also impressed us with the great emphasis they place on their presentation at NATO Days and how they have enhanced it even compared to 2016, when Germany was the special partner nation for the first time.”

The Tiger attack helicopter appeared only once at the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days in 2016. It is currently a relatively rare machine, initially designed for anti-tank warfare. However, it is not considered to be a successful design and so it is being prematurely retired—Germany, for example, plans to end the service of all 52 of its units. Australia has made a similar decision, aiming to replace them with American AH-64E Guardians.

Germany has also prepared an impressive array of static displays. These will include one of the most modern tanks in their arsenal, the Leopard 2A7V, the Boxer armoured personnel carrier, the Büffel 3 recovery vehicle, the Fennek reconnaissance armoured vehicle, various support equipment, and one of the most renowned self-propelled howitzers, the Panzerhaubitze 2000.

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 was considered one of the most powerful systems of its kind in the world when it was created at the turn of the millennium. The attractiveness of this static display is further enhanced by the fact that these howitzers are currently being used on a large scale in the Russian-Ukrainian war and were previously deployed in Afghanistan. They are particularly notable for their rapid rate of fire, as the first three rounds can be fired within 10 seconds.

The dynamic demonstration of the special Leguan bridge-laying vehicle is also a premiere. This machine is a cornerstone of military logistics, enabling the quick and efficient crossing of water bodies or ditches. Built on the chassis of the Leopard 2 tank, it is highly mobile and durable.

In addition to military hardware, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), responsible for civil defence and protection of the German population, will also be present. Its static displays will include heavy LKW vehicles and equipment used in natural disaster responses, among other situations.
 

See you at
NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 2024!