Czech Air Force
The Air Forces (AF) together with Ground Forces are the main combat power of our Army. Their primary mission is to ensure sovereignty of the Czech Republic airspace. Since March 12, 1999, following the accession into NATO defence structures, the Air Forces have been fulfilling the above mentioned mission within NATO Integrated Air Defence System (NATINDAS).
Operational level directly controlling the Air Forces formations and units is represented by the Air Forces Headquarters (AF HQ). Basic elements of the AF are Tactical Air Force and Air Defence, Subordinated Air Force bases, formations and units are ready to fulfil operational and tactical missions and they represent one of the decisive striking powers of the Army of the Czech Republic. Combat units organize training of pilots, aircraft crews, crews of Air Defence Missile Troops and Radiotechnical Troops as well as supporting personnel. The AF members control the military air traffic, they co-ordinate it with other air traffic within the Czech Republic airspace and carry out co-ordination missions for the benefit of Ground Forces, provide air transportation of both the personnel and equipment as well as the air transportation of statesmen, air first-aid service, air search and rescue service (SAR), air survey photography and wide-range reconnaissance for the needs of the Army of the Czech Republic. In case of natural disasters and accidents, detached AF units and means are ready to fulfil the missions for the benefit of civilian protection.
32nd Tactical Air Force Base is equipped with Su-22M4, Su-25K and L-39ZA combat aircraft. Members of the Air Base fulfil the tasks following from the Tactical Air Force combat readiness to destroy both air and ground targets, to conduct air reconnaissance and to support the Ground Troops.
4th Tactical Air Force Base is equipped with MiG-21 MF, L-159 and L-39ZA combat aircraft. Members of the Base fulfil the tasks of the Tactical Air Force combat readiness to destroy namely air targets and to conduct air reconnaissance. They are also ready to fulfil combat missions against ground targets to a limited extent.
33rd Helicopter Air Base is equipped with Mi-24D arid Mi-24V attack helicopters and with W3-A SOK4L, Mi-17, Mi-9 and Mi-8 multi-role helicopters. Members of the Air Base fulfil the tasks following from the combat readiness of the Helicopter Air Force for close support of ground troops. d) 6th Air Transportation Base is equipped with Tu-154 , CHALLENGER, Jak-40, An-24, An-26, L-410 transport aircraft and W3A SOKOL, Mi-17 and Mi-8 transport helicopters. Members of the Base provide transport for both personnel and material.
34th Training Air Force Base is located at the airfield which is used for civilian traffic as well. Its Training squadrons and Reconnaissance/Transportation Squadron are equipped with L-29, L-39, Z-142 CAF, L-410, An-30, aircraft and with Mi-17 and Mi-2 helicopters. The Base is used for practical training of pilots and students of Military Academy, Air Force and Air Defence Faculty, Brno. The Reconnaissance I Transportation Squadron fulfils photogrammetrical missions for the needs of Topographic Service (namely civilan) and recently, it carries out the missions within OPEN SKIES project (observation flights Within 0pen Skies Treaty).
Air Defence Missile Troops ensure the defence of the Czech Republic air space, important objects and air defence of operational formations of the ACR troops. It consists of the following components: Air Defence Missile Brigades (41. plrb and 42. prlb) and Air Defence Missile Regiments (43., 44., 45. and 46. plrp).
Radio-technical Troops and Electronic Warfare Troops conduct a continuous radar surveillance of the Czech republic airspace and distribute the information on the air situation. Signal Troops ensure a complex and continuous communication (radio, radio-relay, wire, field post and data transmission) between the Air Forces Headquarters and their subordinate units. Air Force Training Base conducts training of ground personnel (conscripts) to be able to operate the aviation air and ground equipment as well as the equipment of Air Defence.
Further elements subordinate to the Air Forces Headquarters include Air Testing Centre, Air Repair Centrs, ACR Air Traffic Control, Meteorological Centre, Passive Systems Centre, Airfield Administration, 4th 0perational Regiment, 4th Topographic Support Centre, 4th Project and Technology Centre of Information and Military Art Ensemble "0ndráš".
