REVIEW: NATO Days & Czech Air Force Days 2023
The NATO Days & Czech Air Force Days, held at Ostrava’s Mošnov airport over the weekend of September 16th-17th, 2023, once again affirmed its status as the largest security show in Europe. The event attracted an estimated 185,000 visitors, who began arriving early in the morning to take full advantage of the free entrance and the extensive displays of military equipment and aircraft.
This year’s special partner, Poland, contributed significantly to the event’s lineup. Despite the unfortunate last-minute cancellation of the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-22 Fitter flying displays, Poland’s presence was still strongly felt. The Polish Air Force showcased their F-16 Tiger Display Team and Team Orlik. On the ground, they displayed an F-16D Fighting Falcon, one of their new KAI FA-50GF light fighters making its European Airshow debut, and a Bayraktar TB2 UAV.
The ground exhibition at the NATO Days & Czech Air Force Days 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see a diverse collection of military aircraft and equipment up close. Among the highlights was the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, an unmanned aerial vehicle renowned for its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. This UAV has been pivotal in modern military operations, providing real-time data and precision strikes.
Another fascinating exhibit was the Lithuanian Let L410 UVP, a twin-engine short-range transport aircraft. Known for its versatility, the L410 is used for both civilian and military purposes, including troop transport and medical evacuation. The Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium also drew significant attention. This medium-sized, multi-mission transport aircraft is designed to perform a variety of roles, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, and aerial refuelling.
The Luftwaffe’s Tactical Air Wing 51 showcased the latest Tornado ECR Tiger scheme, a visually striking aircraft used primarily for electronic combat and reconnaissance. This particular Tornado variant is equipped with specialized electronic warfare systems designed to suppress enemy air defences.
The US Air Force brought an impressive lineup, including the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a critical refuelling aircraft that extends the operational range of combat aircraft, and the C-17 Globemaster III, a large military transport aircraft capable of the rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases.
The Romanian Air Force exhibited their Antonov An-26, a twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft known for its ruggedness and reliability. The Hungarian Air Force’s modern and versatile H145M military helicopter, was also on display, showcasing its wide range of capabilities for battlefield roles.
The German Navy presented the NH-90 “Sea Lion”, a naval variant of the NH-90 helicopter, designed for maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue. Complementing this was the German Army’s NH-90TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter), which is used for a variety of missions, including troop transport and medical evacuation.
The Slovak Air Force’s UH-60M Black Hawk, a versatile and modern utility helicopter, demonstrated its capabilities in troop transport, medevac, and other critical missions. The Austrian Air Force’s S-70A Black Hawk, another variant of the UH-60, was also present, emphasizing its role in various military operations.
The US Army showcased their Apache and Chinook helicopters. The Apache, an attack helicopter, is renowned for its firepower, advanced sensors, and survivability in combat. The Chinook, a tandem rotor helicopter, is known for its heavy-lift capabilities, essential for transporting troops, artillery, and equipment.
The event also featured a single Belgian Air Force F-16AM alongside a pair of Portuguese Air Force F-16AMs, each aircraft showcasing their vital roles in air defence and multi-role missions. The versatile Italian Tornado further amplified the impressive lineup, demonstrating its adaptability across a range of combat scenarios.
The Czech Air Force showcased its diverse capabilities with a robust lineup of aircraft at the airshow. Among the impressive displays were the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a highly agile multi-role fighter renowned for its advanced avionics. The Aero L-159 ALCA, a versatile light combat aircraft utilized for training and light attack missions, also drew attention. Additionally, the Mi-171 medium transport helicopter and the Mi-35 attack helicopter underscored the Czech Air Force's proficiency in combat and support roles. The Czech Air Force has also showcased their newest helicopters, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y.
The flying displays were nothing short of spectacular, featuring a diverse array of teams and solo performers who showcased their extraordinary skills and the advanced capabilities of their aircraft. Each performance added a unique element to the event, captivating audiences with a blend of precision, power, and agility.
Starting with the Zelazny Aerobatic Team from Poland, they took to the skies in three classic Zlin 50 aerobatic aircraft. Their performance was a masterclass in precision flying, featuring intricate manoeuvres and thrilling stunts that left the audience in awe. The Zlin 50, known for its exceptional aerobatic capabilities, was pushed to its limits as the team executed tight formations, loops, rolls, and spins with impeccable timing and coordination. The crowd watched in amazement as the aircraft danced through the sky, demonstrating both the pilots’ expertise and the aircraft’s agility.
The Czech Air Force made a significant contribution to the event with their Mi-35 and Mi-171 helicopters. These aircraft executed a battlefield rescue demonstration that simulated a high-stakes rescue operation. The Mi-35, also known as the Hind, performed solo displays with smoke effects on both days of the airshow. This performance was particularly poignant as it marked the Mi-24/35’s last public display before its retirement from the Czech Air Force. The Mi-24/35 has a storied service history, renowned for its robust design and versatility in various combat and support roles. Its final display was a fitting tribute to its decades of service, showcasing its formidable presence and capabilities one last time.
In addition to the Mi-35 and Mi-171, the Czech Air Force’s W-3A Sokol helicopter performed a search and rescue (SAR) demonstration. This display highlighted the Sokol’s capabilities in rescue operations, showcasing its agility and the skill of its crew in executing precise and coordinated manoeuvres. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen and Aero L-159 ALCA also executed solo displays, each aircraft demonstrating its unique capabilities. The Gripen, known for its advanced avionics and agility, performed high-speed passes, tight turns, and vertical climbs, while the L-159 showcased its versatility and combat readiness through a series of dynamic manoeuvres.
Flight Lieutenant Matthew Brighty, the RAF Typhoon Display Team demo pilot, was another highlight of the airshow. His performance in the Typhoon was a breathtaking display of speed, agility, and advanced avionics. The Typhoon, a state-of-the-art multirole fighter, was put through its paces as Flight Lieutenant Brighty executed a series of high-speed passes, tight turns, and vertical climbs. His mastery of aerial manoeuvres was evident, and the crowd was left in awe of both his skill and the aircraft’s capabilities.
Adding to the excitement was the German Army’s NH-90 TTH helicopter, which performed a dynamic and visually stunning display. The highlight of this performance was a spectacular flare drop, where the helicopter released a series of flares that illuminated the sky. This dramatic effect not only showcased the NH-90 TTH’s defensive capabilities but also highlighted its versatility and agility. The helicopter demonstrated a range of manoeuvres, from rapid ascents and descents to tight turns, illustrating its ability to perform in various operational scenarios, including transport, medevac, and combat support roles.
Equally captivating was the demonstration by the US Air Force F-35A Demo Team. This performance highlighted the F-35A’s advanced stealth features and cutting-edge sensor capabilities through a series of precisely executed manoeuvres. The aircraft’s ability to blend into the sky and perform complex aerial manoeuvres demonstrated the technological advancements and strategic superiority of the F-35A. The display included high-speed passes, sharp turns, and vertical climbs, showcasing the aircraft’s agility and advanced avionics.
The Slovak Air Force’s UH-60M Black Hawk also made a significant impact with its display. This demonstration provided insight into the versatile capabilities of the Black Hawk in a range of mission scenarios, including troop transport, medevac operations, and combat support. The display highlighted the helicopter’s reliability and adaptability, key attributes that make it a cornerstone of many air forces worldwide. The Black Hawk’s performance included rapid ascents and descents, tight turns, and hover manoeuvres, illustrating its operational versatility.
The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team was another standout, wowing the audience with the agility and raw power of the F-16. Their performance was a thrilling exhibition of high-speed aerobatics, showcasing the aircraft’s combat capabilities and the pilots’ skills. The F-16 was put through a series of dynamic manoeuvres, including high-speed passes, tight turns, and vertical climbs, demonstrating its agility and raw power.
Meanwhile, Team Orlik’s performance in the PZL-130 Orlik was a breathtaking display of precision aerobatics. Their intricate formations and synchronized manoeuvres left the crowd in awe, demonstrating the high level of training and coordination required to execute such a flawless performance. The Orlik, a Polish-made turboprop trainer, was showcased in a series of loops, rolls, and tight formations, highlighting both the aircraft’s capabilities and the pilots’ skill.
The AERO Vodochody L-39NG and the classic L-39C from LOM Praha presented a mesmerizing joint flypast, showcasing the evolution from the revered L-39C to the state-of-the-art L-39NG. This formation flight not only symbolized the smooth transition between the aircraft models but also emphasized the remarkable technological progress made in training aircraft throughout the years. Following the joint flypast, the L-39NG proceeded to perform a solo demonstration, exhibiting its improved capabilities and advanced avionics tailored to meet the high standards of today's pilot training requirements.
The Swiss Air Forces PC-7 TEAM, known for their remarkable precision and well-coordinated aerobatic routines, graced the skies with their dazzling display using the reliable and agile Pilatus PC-7 aircraft. The intricate manoeuvres performed by the team showcased the exceptional flying skills and coordination needed for such a breathtaking aerial showcase.
One of the main highlights of the event was the European Airshow debut of the RAF F-35B Lightning II. This cutting-edge aircraft showcased its impressive Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) abilities along with its remarkable hover capabilities, showcasing its crucial role in carrier-based operations. The performance of the F-35B highlighted its advanced stealth technology, sensor integration, and network-enabled functionalities, all of which play a key role in enhancing modern air combat operations.
The Spanish Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon solo display showcased the aircraft's exceptional manoeuvrability and multi-role capabilities, making it a formidable asset in various missions.
The Hellenic Air Force Daedalus Demo Team, flying the T-6A Texan II, provided an impressive demonstration of advanced training manoeuvres. Their performance highlighted the T-6A’s role in preparing pilots for the complexities of modern aerial combat.
The L 410 NG’s display showcased its versatility as a modern utility aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of missions, from transport to reconnaissance. This aircraft’s adaptability and reliability make it a valuable asset for both military and civilian operations.
The German Air Force provided one of their Airbus A400M Atlas for a solo display. The A400M Atlas’s solo display highlighted its role as a strategic airlifter. The A400M demonstrated its ability to perform a wide range of missions, including tactical airlift, medical evacuation, and aerial refuelling. Its performance underscored the aircraft’s importance in enhancing operational flexibility and strategic reach.
In conclusion, the NATO Days & Czech Air Force Days 2023 in Ostrava provided an unparalleled showcase of military aviation and ground equipment. Despite some last-minute cancellations, the diverse array of displays offered an engaging and educational experience for all attendees. The event celebrated technological advancements in military aviation and paid homage to the legacy of aircraft like the Czech Mi-24, marking its retirement with a fitting farewell. This event not only highlighted the evolution of military aviation but also reinforced the importance of international cooperation and innovation in maintaining global security.
To view all the photographs captured during the impressive displays at the NATO & Czech Air Force Days 2023 click here.
