The Czech Army at the Aviation Fair.

The Army at the Aviation Fair
From the very beginning, the Aviation Fair has been organized with the support and cooperation of the army, and this will be no different at this year’s 33rd edition, taking place on June 7 and 8 at the Pardubice Airport. While flight displays are certainly the main attraction for spectators, the Army of the Czech Republic will also present its traditionally rich ground program, featuring demonstrations by soldiers and equipment from both air and ground force units.

“The Czech Air Force will take part in the flying displays with both aircraft and helicopters. The main highlight of the military presentation will, as always, be the supersonic jet JAS-39 Gripen,” says Jan Rudzinskyj from the Aviation Fair organizing team. “The Gripen will be flown in a solo display by the new air force display pilot Jan Ratz, who is historically the sixth Czech demonstration pilot. This will be his second public performance, and from past experience, we know that every pilot brings their own unique style to the Gripen displays — always precise and impressive — so visitors definitely have something to look forward to.”
Gripens from the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav will also appear in a formation flyover alongside a CASA 295 turboprop transport aircraft, from which a mass parachute jump will be carried out. After the demonstration, the CASA will land and be available for viewing in a static display.
Pilots from the 24th Air Transport Base in Prague-Kbely, which also operates the CASA, will showcase the high-precision flying and rescue capabilities of the W-3A Sokol helicopter. The L-159 ALCA aircraft will also be on static display.

“The Czech Army has also prepared its traditionally diverse ground exhibits,” adds Marie Schillerová from the organizing team, continuing: “Alongside the air force bases, the ground displays will feature the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment from Strakonice with a light armored vehicle Dingo 2 and the RBS-70NG anti-aircraft missile system. The 26th Command, Control, and Reconnaissance Regiment from Stará Boleslav will bring light armored vehicles designed for operations in chemically or radiologically contaminated environments.
And don’t miss the military firefighters, who will showcase a ‚Bambi Bucket‘ and a drone used for locating, monitoring, and extinguishing fires.

Ground combat, support, and logistics units will also present their equipment. The 43rd Airborne Regiment from Chrudim will not only display its gear and weapons, but will also take part in the opening parachute jump and demonstrate a fast-roping operation from a helicopter.
The 42nd Mechanized Battalion from Tábor will showcase a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, the PANDUR II.
You can also look forward to seeing heavy-duty transport trucks, a tanker, and the TITUS armored vehicle from the 14th Logistic Support Regiment based in Pardubice.

Military medics will demonstrate the basics of first aid, showcase an armored ambulance, and present their mobile biochemical laboratory and pharmacy. For the very first time at the fair, military meteorologists and geographers, as well as the regional military transport center, will introduce their activities to the public.

You can also look forward to a collection of historical weapons and ammunition that will illustrate the development of military technology. An airsoft shooting range will be available, and the youngest visitors can enjoy a bouncy castle.

Students from the Department of Aviation at the University of Defence in Brno will also be present, and those interested in studying there can stop by their booth for more information. Visitors will also be able to learn about career opportunities in the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic and the Active Reserves.

“There really will be a lot to see and experience,” adds Marie Schillerová.

The Aviation Fair offers a traditional all-day program for the whole family. On both Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy a rich ground program featuring numerous displays and activities for both children and adults. The flight display itself will last over five hours.

More information and updates about the upcoming program can be found at www.aviatickapout.cz.