NATO Days Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 2025

The 25th edition of NATO Days in Ostrava & the 16th Czech Air Force Days once again proved why this show has become such a highlight in the European aviation calendar. Taking place in the second half of September, the event often feels like the season’s grand finale for aviation enthusiasts. With Italy as this year’s partner nation and contributions from 17 countries, the anniversary edition delivered a line-up that was both varied and full of surprises.

Perfect Weather and Record Crowds Set the Stage at NATO Days Ostrava 2025

The weather could hardly have been better. Throughout the weekend, visitors enjoyed almost summer-like temperatures, accompanied by a deep blue sky that offered a perfect backdrop for the flying displays. On Saturday a few thin clouds drifted through, but they did nothing to spoil the excellent visibility. This contributed greatly to the atmosphere on site, and with so many highlights in the air, the conditions could hardly have been more favourable.

The outstanding weather and the attractive programme also helped to draw enormous crowds: according to estimates from the organisers, between 90,000 and 100,000 people attended on Saturday alone. That sheer mass of spectators gave the event a festival-like atmosphere, with every display being met by waves of applause from all sides of the airfield.

Italian Airpower and Rare Visitors Dominate the Static Displays

On the ground, the static displays were packed with interesting machines, though the absolute highlights came from Italy. The F-35A Lightning II drew constant attention, presented alongside a Panavia Tornado and even a two-seat TAV-8B Harrier II, a very rare sight in Europe these days. Italy also brought a C-27J Spartan, an M-346 Master and a Eurofighter Typhoon, showing the full spectrum of its airpower. Germany’s presence was equally strong, with the A400M Atlas as a centrepiece, complemented by the Eurofighter Typhoon, the NH-90 TTH and the Tiger helicopter. Another magnet for the crowds was the impressive A330 MRTT from the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Unit, an aircraft that underscored the multinational character of the event. And just when visitors thought they had seen it all, a KC-390 Millennium from Portugal and a Canadian CF-188 Hornet in a special scheme added that extra bit of rarity that Ostrava is famous for.

The flying programme opened with a bang as the German NH-90 and Tiger helicopters demonstrated their agility, accompanied by pyrotechnics that immediately set the mood. Soon after, the German A400M defied expectations with a surprisingly nimble performance, reminding everyone that transport aircraft can be every bit as impressive as fighters. At exactly 11:00, the traditional flypast of the Czech Air Force formally opened the event, this year in the presence of the country’s president, underscoring how much importance Ostrava carries at a national level.

From Helicopter Pyrotechnics to Heavy Metal: A Flying Display Full of Highlights

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited moment of the entire weekend for the die-hard aviation fans was the international debut of the Slovak F-16. While initially just a fly-by was expected, the pilot treated the crowd to a short but dynamic display that highlighted the jet’s agility and modern systems. It was a proud moment not just for Slovakia, but for all visitors who witnessed a milestone in the region’s aviation history after Slovakia has been without combat jets since their MiG-29s were handed over to Ukraine.

Big aircraft also had their time to shine. The arrival of the B-52H Stratofortress was nothing short of dramatic. The American bomber had a generous 20-minute slot, making multiple passes over the runway. Even though the bright sunlight often left the giant silhouetted against the sky, its sheer size, unmistakable shape and long smoke trails were impossible to miss.

Helicopters were another strong theme throughout the day. The Czech Air Force featured the Mi-171Š, while also showcasing its new assets, the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom, often in realistic ground-support scenarios. The W-3A Sokol appeared as the two-ship display in SAR configuration, a bittersweet sight knowing the type is approaching its retirement in 2028.

Slovak F-16 Debut, AV-8B+ Harrier, B-52 Flypast and Aerobatic Teams Steal the Show

No major European show would be complete without aerobatic teams, and Ostrava did not disappoint. The Croatian Wings of Storm flew tight formations with their PC-9s, the Turkish Stars impressed with fast and precise manoeuvres in the NF-5 Tiger, and the British Red Arrows capped it all off with their trademark red Hawks painting the sky against a perfect blue backdrop. Solo jet displays also kept the crowd on edge, from the Italian AV-8B+ Harrier II with its spectacular hover, to the French Rafale and the German Eurofighter Typhoon, each showing off the raw power and finesse of modern combat aircraft.

In the end, NATO Days in Ostrava 2025 was everything enthusiasts hoped for and more. It offered a strong mix of the rare and the familiar, from helicopters to transports, fighters and bombers.

The debut of the Slovak F-16, the nostalgia-tinged thrill of the Harrier, and the commanding presence of the B-52 made this anniversary edition one that will be remembered for years.

The sheer number of visitors proved once again how popular the event has become, and while the crowds may feel overwhelming at times, the reward is always worth it. Ostrava has a way of sending aviation fans home tired but very happy — and already looking forward to the next edition.

NATO Days Ostrava 2025 – Photo Gallery