This year marked the 23rd edition of NATO Days and the 14th
edition of Czech Air Force Days. The event in question is one of
the key highlights of the Central Eastern European Air Show/
defense and security show calendars.
This year's program of the show in Ostrava revolved around the
modernization efforts undertaken by the Czech Republic and its
neighbors - in the wake of atrocities and tragic events unfolding
in Ukraine. Flying demonstration of the legacy Mi-24 helicopters
may be viewed as a good example of this (as a certain number of
these have been transferred to Ukraine by the Czech Air Force),
alongside their replacements - UH-1Y and AH-1Z. Interestingly,
the latter aircraft showcased in Ostrava already wore the specific
Czech green-gray camo scheme. This year's event in Ostrava
might also have been one of the last opportunities to witness Mi-
8/171 and Mi-24/35 helicopters wearing NATO colors. Slovak Air
Force is also replacing the Hips, with Black Hawks.
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