NATO Days in Ostrava: 20th edition

26 aerospace industry l events The twentieth anniversary edition of NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days will be truly unique. Despite the coronavirus crisis, the traditional biggest armed forces show in Europe will offer an enticing live programme as a thanks to all those who protect us. The programme will be made available to viewers via modern technology to provide the best experience possible. As one of only a few events of its type in Europe, NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days remain firmly anchored in the calendar, which has otherwise been thrown into disarray by the coronavirus crisis and emergency measures taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Held on 19th and 20th September at the Leoš Janáček Airport in Ostrava, the event will thus offer viewers, albeit remotely, a twoday programme of dynamic demonstrations on the ground and in the air. "After extensive discussions with hygienists and epidemiologists, we found a way to hold the event in as authentic a way as possible while respecting all directives and criteria to prevent the spread of coronavirus," says Zbyněk Pavlačík, chairman of Jagello 2000, which organises the event. The twentieth anniversary edition will thus be wholly unique in a number of ways. The programme will focus on dynamic demonstrations as much as possible. The organisers want these to commemorate several important anniversaries. Aside from the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, these demonstrations are also intended to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the JAS-39 Gripen aircraft in Czech armed forces. "In addition, we will have the honour of holding the official thanksgiving to members of the armed forces and of the integrated emergency service system for their hard work during the coronavirus crisis," Pavlačík adds. The key mission and purpose of the event remains unchanged according to Pavlačík: to show viewers the latest military equipment and the best that the police, the fire brigade, the ambulance service, customs offices, the prison service and other special 2020 T+T Technika a trh 19.–20. 9. 2020 ...20th edition to thank those who protect us services have at their disposal. However, the organisers also understand the severity of the current unprecedented situation. "Like many other events around the world, we are unfortunately unable to permit visitors direct access to the event grounds. We will do the best we can, as technology allows, to provide viewers with an experience as close to the real thing as possible," says Pavlačík. Despite these limitations, the event will still be the only one of its kind in Central Europe. As Pavlačík added, the safety of visitors, participants, co-organisers and partners always was, is and will be at the top of the priority list. In addition to the above changes, the special partner country of the event this year will be the Czech Republic, not the originally announced Sweden, which will assume the role in 2021. Due to the adjustment in format, it is expected that static displays of equipment will be omitted from this year's event. The organisers will endeavour to find suitable alternatives for air forces that were slated to participate in these displays. "The current situation also affects the number of active foreign demonstration teams participating in the event. Just yesterday, the British Typhoon Display Team cancelled its plans for the entire season. However, we are confident that we will be able to offer the traditional, attractive programme of dynamic air and ground presentations. All information about participants, both Czech and foreign, will be regularly updated as the situation develops and more information becomes available," concludes Zbyněk Pavlačík. p www.natodays.cz