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The Czech Air Force is set to impress once again!

For the fifteenth time, NATO Days in Ostrava are officially combined with the Czech Air Force Days. This means that spectators will once again have the chance to witness a comprehensive display of the Czech Air Force's equipment, with an added taste of Czech aviation aerobatics.

In total, the Czech Air Force will perform nine dynamic displays, featuring both solo performances and collaborations with the Czech Army's Ground Forces, the civilian aerobatic group Flying Bulls, and the German Red Cross.

“The involvement of the Czech Air Force is a key element for the success of NATO Days in Ostrava. Not only does their participation greatly enhance the appeal of the programme, but it also gives the public an opportunity to see their skills firsthand, while allowing the air force to demonstrate their readiness to defend Czech and allied airspace,” comments Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000. “This year, visitors will also get the chance to see the newly acquired H-1 system helicopters, Venom and Viper, in action for the first time.”

A unique spectacle will also be the premiere collaboration of the Flying Bulls aerobatic team, flying four turboprop XA-42 aircraft, with the JAS-39 Gripen jet fighter from the 21st Tactical Air Base, flown by display pilot Captain Ondřej Španko. The Gripen is a main combat aircraft of the Czech Air Force and will also be showcased in a solo performance with its display pilot.

But the aerobatic displays don’t end there. Martin Šonka, winner of the Red Bull Air Race World Series, World Vice-Champion, European Champion, and a former JAS-39 Gripen combat pilot as well as current instructor at the Pardubice Air Training Centre, which is a part of the state enterprise LOM PRAHA, will perform with his Z-142 turboprop aircraft.

There will also be a return of last year’s popular demonstration featuring the W-3A Sokol helicopter from the 24th Transport Air Base, where personnel will demonstrate firefighting techniques using a Bambi bucket.

The Air Force will also highlight the importance of international cooperation, in tandem with this year's Special Partner Nation, Germany. The German Red Cross, in coordination with the Czech W-3A Sokol helicopter, will showcase their expertise in rescuing people from difficult terrain. As usual, there will also be a solo performance by the Mi-171 transport helicopter from the 22nd Helicopter Air Base, which will join Czech ground forces in an assault on enemy positions.

The flight demonstrations will be further enriched by the equally important 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment from Strakonice. Visitors will have the chance to try out a simulation of firing the RBS-70 man-portable anti-aircraft missile system, observe targets through the APVP apparatus, or take a closer look at the Tatra 815/7 air defence vehicle and the DINGO light armoured vehicle.

You can find the full list of equipment here.

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