Special Flypast over Charles Bridge to mark Czech 25th NATO anniversary

On Tuesday morning, six aircraft will fly over Prague to symbolically commemorate the 25th anniversary of Czechia’s joining NATO. This event coincides with former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to Prague, where he will attend a security conference.

On the morning of Tuesday, March 12th, six military aircraft, including fighter jets and a large transport/tanker aircraft, will fly over the city of Prague to symbolically honour and celebrate Czechia's 25th anniversary of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on March 12, 1999. This followed the country's application for NATO membership in 1997, and its successful completion of negotiations with the organization. As a part of this alliance, Czechia is committed to collective defense and security cooperation with other NATO members, and participates in various joint military exercises and operations.

German A400M leading a pair of Czech Gripens

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to Prague

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is visiting Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, where he will attend a security conference on Tuesday. The conference is set to focus on the future of transatlantic relations and the role of NATO in ensuring global security. The event is expected to bring together Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, as well as former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson to discuss the most pressing security challenges.

The visit of President Clinton to Prague carries significant symbolism, as he played a pivotal role in expanding NATO membership to include the Czech Republic and other Central European countries in 1999. This move was a part of NATO's enlargement efforts in the post-Cold War era, aimed at promoting stability, security, and democracy in Europe.

President Clinton's visit to Prague highlights the strong ties between the United States and its NATO allies, as well as the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing global security challenges. His presence at the conference is expected to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the future of NATO and its role in maintaining regional and global security.

Planned route of the formation

Special flypast over Prague

At exactly 10:20 a.m., a group of six airplanes will arrive from South Bohemia. The group will consist of two Eurofighters, one Airbus A400M Atlas of the German Air Force and three Saab Gripens from the Czech Air Force. The airplanes will fly in a V-shaped formation, soaring high above the scenic landscapes of the Czech Republic and passing Orlik and Slaply on their way to Prague. The powerful roar of the engines will reverberate through the valley as the aircraft make their way along the majestic Vltava River.

As the planes continue their journey, the picturesque landscape of the Czech Republic will unfold before their eyes. The river's twists and turns will offer a breathtaking view from above, with the mountains in the background providing a magnificent backdrop. The pilots will be able to appreciate the beauty of Czechia from a truly unique perspective.

Around 10:30 a.m., the formation will reach the bustling city of Prague, and the planes will descend to a height of 200 meters above the ground level. The aircraft will pass directly above the iconic Charles Bridge, a historic stone bridge that spans the Vltava River. This bridge is a symbol of Prague and has been an important landmark since the 14th century. Flying directly over it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the pilots.

The planes will then make a sharp turn to the east and fly back to their respective bases, leaving behind a memory that will last a lifetime. The flypast will not only showcase the skill and precision of the pilots but will also serve as a reminder of the NATO’s commitment to protecting the Czech Republic's sovereignty.

For Czech speakers, a special report from the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base in Namest nad Oslavou will be featured in tomorrow's CT24 broadcast.

German Typhoons

Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly advanced fighter aircraft with a supersonic capability, twin-engine design, and a unique canard delta wing configuration. It is a multirole fighter designed to provide air superiority and perform various other roles, such as air-to-ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.

The Typhoon is a product of a multinational consortium consisting of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. The consortium developed the aircraft using an advanced technology base and extensive engineering expertise. The project is primarily managed by a joint holding company, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH, which oversees most of the design and production process.

The NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, representing the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, is the primary customer of the Typhoon. They manage the project and are responsible for procuring the aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems, including radar, missiles, and a 27 mm cannon. Its design emphasizes stealth and survivability, with a low radar cross-section and advanced electronic countermeasures.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, and reconnaissance. It is widely regarded as one of the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft in the world.

German A400M Atlas

Airbus A400M Atlas

The Airbus Atlas is an impressive military transport aircraft powered by four turboprop engines. Initially designed by Airbus Military, which has since been renamed Airbus Defence and Space, the Atlas was created to replace older transport aircraft such as the Transall C-160 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

One of the key advantages of the Atlas is its size, as it falls between the C-130 and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, making it capable of carrying heavier loads than the C-130 while still being able to use rough landing strips. This versatility is especially useful in military operations where the landing strips may not always be the most well-maintained.

Apart from its primary function as a tactical airlifter, the Atlas also has strategic capabilities, such as aerial refueling and medical evacuation when equipped with the necessary equipment. This means the Atlas can be used in various roles, making it a valuable asset for military operations.

Overall, the Airbus Atlas is an impressive military transport aircraft that offers a range of capabilities. Its design and capabilities make it a worthy successor to the older aircraft it was created to replace, and it is likely to continue to be a valuable asset to military operations for years to come.

Czech Gripens

Saab JAS 39 Gripen

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a light single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft, is one of the most advanced military aircraft in the world. Manufactured by Saab AB, a Swedish aerospace and defense company, the Gripen has been designed to meet the needs of modern air combat.

One of the most notable features of the Gripen is its delta wing and canard configuration, which provides excellent maneuverability and stability during flight. The relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls allow the aircraft to perform advanced aerial maneuvers, making it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat.

The Gripen is also fitted with the latest avionics and weapons systems, making it a highly effective multirole fighter. It is capable of performing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions, and can carry a wide range of weapons, including missiles, bombs, and rockets.

In addition to its advanced capabilities, the Gripen is also fully NATO interoperable, which means it can be easily integrated into multinational operations. This is a significant advantage, as it allows countries to work together more effectively in times of crisis.

As of 2020, more than 271 Gripens of all models, A–F, have been delivered, and the aircraft continues to be regarded as one of the most advanced and capable fighters in the world.