NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days to Feature Anniversary Celebrations and Premieres
The weekend programme will offer more than 18 hours of spectacular demonstrations on the ground and in the air, including an appearance by the Red Arrows, one of Europe’s leading aerobatic teams and a firm favourite with visitors. Aviation enthusiasts, fans of ground forces and those interested in emergency response units will all find something to enjoy. The static displays will be equally diverse, filling the entire event site. As of today, representatives of 14 countries and NATO have confirmed their participation, bringing almost 80 aircraft to the Mošnov airport.
The Czech Armed Forces will also present a major premiere in the form of the new C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The Czech Air Force took delivery of the aircraft in July, making this the first opportunity for the general public to see it up close in a static display.
Other modernisation projects and vehicles that have either already entered, or are due to enter, service with the Czech Army’s ground forces will also be presented, including the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank, the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle manufactured by BAE Systems, and the TITUS KOVS command-and-communications vehicle.
“I am proud to announce that this year’s NATO Days in Ostrava and Czech Air Force Days will feature the new transport aircraft in a static display. The Czech Army’s ground forces will also showcase equipment intended for the heavy brigade, including the Leopard 2 tank, the first units of which have already entered service with the Czech Armed Forces,” said Brigadier General Petr Tománek, Commander of the Czech Air Force.
Among the international participants, Germany will provide the most extensive presentation. After ten years, Germany is returning as the event’s Special Partner Nation and will showcase its armed forces, security services and emergency response units, as well as their capabilities.
“We are honoured that Germany has been taking part in the event for more than ten years with an extensive presentation of both aircraft and ground equipment. This year’s unique premiere of a dynamic Tornado fighter aircraft display is just one example. The scale of the displays on the ground and in the air demonstrates the high quality of the cooperation that continues between our two countries,” said Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000, the event’s organising association.
With these aircraft gradually being retired from service, this may also be one of the last opportunities to see the Tornado in a flying display. To mark the 70th anniversary of its establishment, the Luftwaffe is sending 14 aircraft.
The skies over Mošnov will also see the giant A400M Atlas transport aircraft and the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet. All three aircraft will also be available to view in the static display, where they will be joined, in a premiere appearance, by the A532 Cougar and CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters. The helicopter programme will be complemented by aircraft operated by the German Army’s ground forces – the NH90 and Tiger helicopters – both of which will feature in static and dynamic displays.
Visitors can also look forward to popular heavy military equipment, including the Leopard 2A7 tank, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer and the heavily armoured Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The heavy armoured vehicles will be joined by the Boxer armoured personnel carrier, while the lightweight Fennek reconnaissance vehicle will make its premiere appearance.
The diversity of Germany’s participation will be further highlighted by the Joint Support and Enabling Service, with its logistics and support vehicles, as well as the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and the German Red Cross, which will present vehicles used in rescue operations.
Supersonic aircraft will play a prominent role in this year’s event, with more than ten aircraft of this type taking part. In addition to the German aircraft mentioned above, Eurofighter Typhoons will also take to the skies above Mošnov. The Italian and Spanish air forces will provide aircraft for dynamic displays, while F-16s from Slovakia, Greece and Türkiye will perform in the air. A Belgian F-16 will be featured in a static display. For the first time, visitors will also be able to see a parachute jump by the Black Devils parachute team of the Belgian Army’s ground forces.
The static displays will also feature giant aircraft, including an A400M operated by the Belgian Air Force, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Another major attraction will once again be the A330 MRTT aerial refuelling tanker operated by the allied forces.
“We are delighted that such a diverse range of military equipment will arrive at Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport, ensuring that there is something for every visitor. Talks are still under way with potential additional participants, and as soon as their involvement is confirmed, we will of course inform the public,” added Zbyněk Pavlačík.
All components of the Czech Integrated Rescue System and Czech security forces will also present their equipment and capabilities. Dynamic demonstrations will feature intervention units from the Police of the Czech Republic, the Prison Service, the Customs Administration and municipal police.
“Visitors to NATO Days are traditionally impressed by state-of-the-art equipment from around the world. But I would like to remind everyone that the true strength of any piece of equipment lies in the people who operate it. Soldiers, firefighters, police officers, rescue workers and war veterans demonstrate through their actions that security is built on courage, professionalism and a willingness to help others. When I met with our last surviving Second World War veterans this week, I was once again reminded that technology evolves, but values such as courage, responsibility and service to others remain unchanged. That is precisely why NATO Days are so important,” said Josef Bělica, Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region.
“NATO Days in Ostrava are the largest event of their kind in Europe. Every year, they attract large numbers of visitors not only from our region but also from much further afield. Admission to the event is traditionally free, which is one of the reasons why it is accessible to such a broad audience. In today’s complex security environment, the event also provides an exceptionally powerful demonstration of the unity and cooperation of NATO Allies. For Ostrava, it is a unique opportunity to showcase the latest technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and innovations to the general public. This year, the Ostrava Municipal Police will once again provide a bicycle parking service for visitors. Given the expected high volume of traffic, I therefore recommend that anyone who has the opportunity travel to NATO Days by bicycle. It is a convenient way to avoid traffic complications while also helping to keep traffic flowing smoothly around the event site. I am pleased that Ostrava remains a long-standing and steadfast partner of this exceptional event and that, even after 25 years, NATO Days continue to retain their significance, dynamism and ability to appeal to a broad audience,” said Jan Dohnal, Mayor of Ostrava.
During the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Ostrava will present the Honorary Ribbon of the Czech Euro-Atlantic Council to the Olomouc Military Police Command. Since 2008, the ribbon has been awarded to a selected unit or organisation that makes a significant contribution to organising NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days, thereby helping to raise awareness not only of the event itself but also of NATO as a whole.
NATO Days will once again be preceded by an accompanying programme. Selected event participants will arrive on Friday, 18 September, for a series of moderated discussions. Following last year’s successful premiere, a concert will once again take place on Friday evening at the Cathedral of the Divine Saviour in Ostrava. The concert will feature representatives of this year’s Special Partner Nation – the brass sextet of the Veitshöchheim Military Band.
More details can be found on the official NATO Days website and social media channels.
The event is held with significant support from the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, the Moravian-Silesian Region and the Statutory City of Ostrava. Lockheed Martin is the General Partner, Škoda Auto is the Exclusive Partner, and Czechoslovak Group and Tatra Trucks are Special Partners. Česká zbrojovka, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, has been a partner of the event for 20 years.