The F-35 is clearly on its way to becoming the prima-
ry NATO fighter, following in the footsteps of the F-16.
One could also come to a sad conclusion: European
military aviation had some spice and variety so far,
at least until the 5th generation aircraft came to be.
The late 20th or early 21st Century airshows were
quite varied when it comes to the flightline featuring
aircraft such as F/A-18, F-16, Mirage, F-4, and so on.
This would not be a common sight in the not-so-dis-
tant future. The only hope one may have is associat-
ed with historic aircraft, such as the Polish Lims (that
made an appearance this year during SIAF), or the
Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, with its Viggens,
Drakens, Tunnan, and Lansen. 3 jets from its inven-
tory were roaring in the sky over Ostrava this year as
well.
General Major Petr Mikulenka, Commander of the
Czech Air Force noted that the Ostrava NATO Days
has been selected as a debut arena for the F-35 in
Central Eastern Europe, speaking for the reputation
of the air show in Ostrava.
Zbyněk Pavlačík said that the Czechs were already
making attempts to have the F-35 showcased,
as they were flying nearby during their Iceland Air
AVIATION
