For the Czech Air Force, 2025 was not just another year of training. It was a year when history met the future. From winning gold at the World Air Games in Fairford, UK, to deployments in Iceland and Poland, to preparations for the revolutionary introduction of the SPYDER air defense system and bidding farewell to the legendary Mi-8 helicopters. The Czech skies and our alliance commitments have never been in safer hands.

The elite above the Atlantic and in the heart of Europe

In 2025, Czech fighter pilots once again confirmed that they are among the absolute best in NATO. The key event of the year was a mission in Iceland, where five JAS-39 Gripen aircraft from the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav guarded the northern wing of the Alliance for five weeks. The uniqueness of the operation was underscored by the use of an Airbus A330 MRTT tanker, which demonstrated the Czech Air Force's ability to operate over vast distances.

At the same time, the helicopter unit from Náměšť nad Oslavou deployed Mi-171Š helicopters in Poland, where they are already in their fourth rotation, reinforcing the defense of the eastern flank. These missions are not just about technology, but also about the international respect that Czech soldiers enjoy among their allies.

World gold and international prestige

While fighter jets guarded the borders, the 24th Transport Aviation Base in Kbely brought home an "Olympic victory." A pair of W-3A Sokol helicopters took home the gold trophy for best flight demonstration from the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) air show. Their synchronized formation, combining acrobatics with a rescue operation, thrilled both the expert jury and the audience.

Prague's prestige as a rescue center was also underscored by the Galileo SAR Meet 2025 exercise held in August, which took place in Czechia for the first time ever. Eight European crews arrived in Kbely with unique technology, such as the Norwegian "SAR Queen," to coordinate procedures for saving human lives using the latest satellite technologies of the Galileo system under the auspices of the EUSPA agency.

Generational change: The end of legends and the dawn of the digital battlefield

The year 2025 went down in history as a year of farewells and new beginnings. After nearly 60 years of service, the army finally said goodbye to the Mi-8 helicopters, which had transported presidents and soldiers for decades. The era of "Eastern" technology is coming to an end, making way for a digital future.

• SPYDER system: At the end of the year, military trials of a new anti-aircraft missile system from Israel began in Strakonice. This represents a revolutionary leap forward in the protection of our territory.
• H-1 helicopters: The mission of the American training team in Náměšť has come to an end. Training on Viper and Venom aircraft is now fully in Czech hands, confirming the high level of expertise of our personnel.
• Radio Technical Troops: The 26th Regiment celebrated 75 years of existence with successful CLEAR SKY certification, confirming that our ability to conduct air operations meets the most stringent NATO standards.

The power of tradition and public involvement

The air force is not just a closed world of professionals. NATO Days in Ostrava and Czech Air Force Days, Blue Sky over České Budějovice, and the Aviation Fair in Pardubice in 2025 attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators. An unforgettable moment was the joint flyover of the British Red Arrows and Czech Gripen fighters over Prague to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.

An important element in strengthening the country's defense was also the voluntary military training in Náměšť and Strakonice, where many young students underwent rigorous drills and took the military oath. This made them part of the active reserves and living proof that national security is a shared value.

A word from the commander

"The Air Force of 2026 is not just about technology. It is about people who understand their technology, know how to control it, and are determined to defend the values on which the security of our country is based. The year 2025 showed that citizens can rely on the Czech Air Force at any time and under any circumstances," said Major General Petr Čepelka, Commander of the Czech Air Force.