One of Europe’s largest events dedicated to military aviation, defence and security, NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days, will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026, at Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport. As in previous years, admission will be free of charge.

The event combines flying and static displays of military aircraft, presentations of heavy military equipment, police and rescue vehicles, as well as dynamic demonstrations of the capabilities of military, police and other security units. Organisers describe NATO Days as the largest security show in Europe, with the event attracting up to around 200,000 visitors over a single weekend.

NATO Days are much more than a traditional air show. The event brings together armed forces, police, firefighters, emergency medical services, customs, the prison service and other organisations involved in providing security, alongside equipment presentations, workshops, seminars and professional events.

Germany returns as Special Partner Nation

A particularly prominent role in this year’s programme will be held by Germany, which returns as the event’s Special Partner Nation after ten years. Germany last held this status in 2016 and is preparing one of its largest-ever presentations at NATO Days for this year’s edition.

The German Luftwaffe will arrive in Ostrava in the year of its 70th anniversary, with one of the highlights of its programme set to be a flying display by the Panavia Tornado IDS.

It will be the first dynamic display by a German Tornado at NATO Days, while the last Tornado to appear in the event’s flying programme was seen 16 years ago, operated by the British Royal Air Force. The appearance is particularly significant as the type is approaching the end of its operational career with the Luftwaffe.

Germany will also present the Eurofighter Typhoon and Airbus A400M Atlas in the flying programme, while its extensive participation will include CH-53, AS532 Cougar, NH90 and Tiger helicopters.

On the ground, the German armed forces will also showcase some of their best-known heavy equipment, including the Leopard 2A7 main battle tank, Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer, Puma infantry fighting vehicle, Boxer armoured personnel carrier and Fennek reconnaissance vehicle.

Tornado and Red Arrows among the main attractions

Alongside the German Tornado, one of the biggest attractions of this year’s flying programme will be the return of the British Red Arrows aerobatic team.

Nine BAE Systems Hawk aircraft will once again perform their characteristic programme of precision formation flying and dynamic manoeuvres accompanied by their distinctive red, white and blue smoke.

The Red Arrows returned to Ostrava in 2025 after a 13-year absence and will now appear at NATO Days for a second consecutive year.

Among the other confirmed participants in the flying programme is the Greek F-16 Demo Team Zeus, while Türkiye will be represented by SOLOTÜRK, also flying the F-16.

Italy has announced flying displays by the Eurofighter Typhoon, C-27J Spartan transport aircraft and M-346 Master trainer, while the Spanish Air and Space Force is also expected to present the Eurofighter in the flying programme.

Slovakia will participate with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, while Slovenia will present its PC-9M Hudournik.

From fighter jets to the A330 MRTT

In addition to the dynamic displays, a major part of NATO Days is traditionally dedicated to the large static exhibition on the apron at Ostrava Airport.

The Belgian Air Component has announced, among other aircraft, the F-16 and A400M Atlas, while one of the largest aircraft on display will be an Airbus A330 MRTT from NATO’s multinational transport and aerial refuelling fleet.

The list of participants is not yet final, with further confirmations expected ahead of September. Organisers also note that the participation of individual aircraft may change or be cancelled for operational or technical reasons.

NATO Days in Ostrava began in 2001 as a regional presentation of armed forces, police and rescue services, before developing over the years into one of the largest military and security events in Central Europe. Czech Air Force Days, the official event of the Czech Air Force, are now held simultaneously and as an integral part of NATO Days.

Alongside its programme for the general public, the event has also become an important meeting point for representatives of the armed forces, defence industry, government institutions and diplomacy, as well as domestic and international military delegations.

This year’s NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days will take place on September 19 and 20 at Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport, with admission once again free of charge. With Germany returning as the Special Partner Nation and the Tornado, Red Arrows, F-16s, Eurofighters, A400Ms and A330 MRTT already confirmed, Ostrava is once again set to become one of Europe’s leading destinations for military aviation enthusiasts.