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The 20th NATO Days in Ostrava will thank those who protect us

The twentieth edition of the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days will be extraordinary. Despite the Covid-19 crisis, the traditional largest security show in Europe will offer an attractive live program as a thank you to all those who protect us. The technological tools will provide it to viewers so that they will have the most perfect experience possible.

As one of only a handful of European events of this type, the NATO Days in Ostrava & the Czech Air Force Days remain firmly ingrained in this year’s events calendar which has otherwise very much fallen apart due to the Covid-19 crisis and emergency measures aimed at limiting the spread of the disease.

On the weekend of September 19 and 20, the Leos Janacek Airport Ostrava will host an attractive two-day program of dynamic demonstrations both on the ground and in the air – for the viewers to enjoy distantly. "After intensive negotiations with hygienists and epidemiologists, we have found a way to carry out the event in a maximum extent possible while respecting all regulations and criteria necessary for preventing the spread of the coronavirus," said Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000, which organizes the event. 

Thus the twentieth edition will be extraordinary in a number of aspects. The program will consist of dynamic demonstrations rather than static displays as much as possible. The organizers want to use them to commemorate several important anniversaries. In addition to 75 years since the end of World War II, it is also 15 years of JAS-39 Gripen aircraft in service of the Czech military. "Additionally, we are truly honored that our event will host an official thank you ceremony to appreciate members of the security forces and the Integrated Rescue System for their deployment during the coronavirus crisis," Pavlačík added.

According to Pavlačík, the key mission and meaning of the event remain unchanged. The NATO Days in Ostrava will present not only the most modern military equipment, but also the best of the police, fire fighters, rescue service, customs officers, prison service and other units.

At the same time, however, the organizers are fully aware of the seriousness of the unprecedented situation. “Like many other events around the world, unfortunately we are not going to be able to allow visitors to enter the venue itself. However, given all available technological possibilities, we will do our best to convey the most perfect experience, as if you were there,” said Pavlačík.

Still, the NATO Days in Ostrava will be the only such event in Central Europe that actually does take place this year. Pavlačík added that the safety of visitors, participants, organizers and partners has always been, is and will be the top priority.

The Special Partner Nation of the event will be exceptionally the Czech Republic, and not the originally announced Sweden, which will take over this role in 2021.

Due to the modified format, we do not plan any static displays, so we will discuss possible alternatives with representatives of the air forces, which have already confirmed this form. 

"The current situation also affects the number of active foreign demo teams, just yesterday the RAF Typhoon Display Team announced the cancellation of the entire season. We believe that we will still offer a traditional attractive program of dynamic flight and ground performances. All information about participants, Czech and foreign continuously specify according to the development and available information,"concludes Pavlačík.

The General Partner of NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days is the company