Czech Air Force to Showcase Gripen at International Sanicole Airshow 2025
Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium – The Czech Air Force will take center stage at the International Sanicole Airshow on September 13 and 14, 2025, with a breathtaking solo display of its SAAB JAS-39C Gripen fighter jet. As the first confirmed participant in this year’s event, the Czech Air Force is set to deliver an electrifying performance that highlights the agility, power, and advanced technology of its frontline fighter, captivating aviation enthusiasts and professionals in the skies above Limburg.
The Czech Air Force has been a stalwart operator of the SAAB JAS-39C/D Gripen since 2005, when it adopted the multirole fighter as the backbone of its air defence capabilities. Stationed at Čáslav Air Base with the 211th Tactical Squadron, the Gripen is renowned for its versatility, cutting-edge avionics, and exceptional manoeuvrability. For nearly two decades, it has served as the Czech Republic’s primary platform for safeguarding its airspace and fulfilling its commitments as a key NATO member.
Czech Air Force Gripen
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2024
The solo display promises to be a highlight of the airshow, featuring a series of high-G maneuvers that showcase the Gripen’s agility through tight turns, rolls, and vertical climbs powered by its roaring afterburner. Spectators will also marvel at the aircraft’s ability to maintain stability at low speeds, a testament to its remarkable aerodynamics. Adding to the spectacle, bright decoy flares will punctuate the performance, offering a vivid display of the Gripen’s combat readiness.
In an official announcement, the International Sanicole Airshow organizers expressed their excitement about the Czech Air Force’s return. “Long-time friends of the International Sanicole Airshow, the Czech Air Force is preparing to wow you with an electrifying aerial spectacle,” the statement read. “The Solo Display Gripen is not just an air show performance—it is a statement of the Czech Air Force’s dedication to excellence, readiness, and international cooperation.”
As a NATO member, the Czech Republic relies on the Gripen for a wide range of missions, from air policing to joint training exercises and multinational operations. Czech Gripens have played a pivotal role in the NATO Air Policing mission, regularly patrolling the skies over the Baltic states and other allied territories to ensure regional security. This airshow performance underscores the aircraft’s ability to swiftly intercept and neutralize potential aerial threats, reinforcing its importance to European defense.
Held annually in Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium, the International Sanicole Airshow is one of Europe’s premier aviation events, drawing thousands of visitors eager to witness the latest in military and civilian aircraft. The Czech Air Force’s participation adds to the event’s reputation for showcasing top-tier aerial talent.
Aviation fans and the public are invited to join the festivities on September 13 and 14 to experience the Gripen’s dynamic display firsthand. The event not only promises a thrilling show but also serves as a powerful reminder of the Czech Air Force’s contributions to international security.
For more details, visit the official International Sanicole Airshow website at www.sanicole.com.
