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Latvian Air Force will participate for the first time

The Latvian Air Force confirmed its premier participation in NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days. It will contribute to diverse static aircraft demonstrations at this largest security show in Europe by sending the An-2 Colt aircraft.

Although the Latvian flag already flew over the event area in 2011 thanks to the participation of the civilian Baltic Bees aerobatic group with four L-39s, we will now see the first official participation of the Latvian armed forces.

"Latvia is the last of the Baltic countries that has not yet presented itself, and we are pleased it will contribute to the 70th anniversary of NATO's foundation and the anniversary of our states' accession into the Alliance," says Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000. "The An-2 is not often seen on air shows, it has been presented once in Estonian colours in our show, and we believe that visitors will be pleased to see it.”

The An-2 flew for the first time in 1947, with more than 18,000 units being produced, it was still produced in the 21st century. Many of them still serve in the armed forces and for civilian purposes. Its advantages include a short take-off and the ability to operate on unpaved surfaces. The Latvian Air Force uses it to transport people and material, training, but also to patrol flights to protect land and sea borders.

Latvia, like Lithuania, does not have a tactical air force and its airspace will be guarded by four JAS-39 Gripen aircraft of the Czech Air Force from September to December in the NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. In addition, the Czech mortar unit currently operates in Latvia within the Alliance's forward presence.

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19^th NATO Days in Ostrava & 10^th Czech Air Force Days!

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