NATO Days in Ostrava mark 25 years with focus on Allied Airpower
NATO Allied Air Command
Sep 22 2025
RAMSTEIN, Germany -- NATO Days in Ostrava celebrated their 25th anniversary this weekend, with a strong focus on Allied air power and modernisation.
Slovakia's new F-16C/D Block 70/72 fighter aircraft made their international debut at the show, underscoring the country's transition from ageing MiG-29s to advanced multirole warplanes, fostering even greater interoperability with Allied Air Forces. So far, the Slovak Air Force has received five of 14 ordered F-16s, with the remainder expected by 2026.
Portugal presented its KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft, capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes of cargo or 80 troops and operating from unpaved runways, demonstrating NATO's growing capabilities in Agile Combat Employment (ACE). The Czech Republic has industrial participation in the KC-390 programme, making the aircraft a possible candidate for the Czech Air Force's future transport fleet.
Dynamic aerial displays featured Allied aerobatic teams, including Britain's Red Arrows, Turkey's Turkish Stars, and Croatia's Krila Oluje. Italy contributed both a flying demonstration of the AV-8B+ Harrier II and a two-seat TAV-8B trainer for static display, while the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35A Lightning II highlighted fifth-generation capabilities.
The event also showcased ongoing NATO modernisation efforts in air defence, with exhibits of radar, electronic warfare, and passive surveillance systems. Static and dynamic presentations underlined how Allies are integrating new technologies to strengthen deterrence and readiness. .
NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days have grown into one of Europe's largest security shows, bringing together Allies and partners to demonstrate cooperation and interoperability. This year's edition reaffirmed NATO's defensive posture, highlighting the Alliance's collective strength in the air domain.
Learn more about NATO Days in Ostrava on The Allied Airpower Podcast.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office
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