Caslav Air Base Open Day 2025
After a two-year break, the Čáslav Air Base Open Day is set to return with a roar on May 17, 2025, welcoming aviation enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors to a day packed with excitement and pride. Held at the historic Čáslav Air Base in the Czech Republic, this event promises a thrilling celebration of military and civilian aviation, spotlighting the 20th anniversary of the JAS-39 Gripen and the 25th anniversary of the L-159 ALCA in service with the Czech Army. From jaw-dropping flight displays to hands-on ground exhibits, the Open Day offers something for everyone, all free of charge.
This year’s event is more than just an airshow—it’s a tribute to the legacy of Czech aviation and the vital role of the Čáslav Air Base in safeguarding the nation’s skies. Located in the heart of Bohemia, roughly 75 kilometres east of Prague, the base will open its gates at 8:00 AM, inviting the public to explore its operations and witness a carefully curated program that blends history, innovation, and sheer spectacle. With free shuttle transport from the nearby town of Čáslav, organisers are ensuring that this celebration of flight is accessible to all.
The Čáslav Air Base, situated near the small town of Chotusice, has been a cornerstone of Czech military aviation since its inception in 1945. Built toward the end of World War II, it has grown from a modest airfield into the home of the 21st Tactical Air Force Base, a key player in the Czech Air Force and NATO operations. Its strategic location in central Bohemia makes it an ideal hub for defending national airspace, and over the decades, it has welcomed some of the most advanced aircraft in the Czech arsenal. The JAS-39 Gripen, a sleek Swedish fighter introduced in 2005, brought cutting-edge technology to the force, while the homegrown L-159 ALCA, operational since 2000, showcases Czech engineering prowess. Together, these aircraft represent the evolution of the nation’s air defence, and their anniversaries provide the perfect occasion to throw open the base’s doors to the public.
The day kicks off with the arrival of general aviation aircraft between 8:00 and 9:40 AM, setting a lively tone as the skies above Čáslav begin to hum with activity. At 11:00 AM, an opening ceremony featuring a dramatic flyby will officially launch the flight program, a lineup designed to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. First up, from 11:10 to 11:15, a tactical jump will see parachutists leaping from the sky, demonstrating the precision and bravery of the Czech Army’s airborne units. This is followed by the Czech Air Force’s W-3A Sokol helicopter, which, from 11:15 to 11:27, will perform a gripping pilot rescue simulation—a testament to the skill of the rescue crews who operate under pressure.
History takes flight next with the Let C-11, a Soviet-designed trainer from the 1950s, soaring overhead from 11:40 to 11:47. Its vintage charm offers a nod to the base’s early years. Then, from 11:47 to 11:52, the ASK21 glider will weave through the air in an aerobatic display, proving that grace and agility don’t require an engine. The pace picks up at 12:03 when the Flying Bulls Aerobatic Team, a world-class ensemble from the Czech Republic, takes to the skies with their four XA-42 aircraft. Known for their synchronised stunts, they’ll paint the sky with daring formations that leave crowds breathless.
International cooperation shines through at 12:22 as the Slovak Air Force presents a solo display of the UH-60M Black Hawk until. This rugged helicopter, a staple of modern military operations, will showcase its versatility with powerful manoeuvres. The star of the show, however, arrives at 12:36: the Czech Air Force’s JAS-39 Gripen, in a solo display with the new Gripen display pilot Captain Jan Ratz at the controls. This high-speed fighter, marking its 20th year, will thrill onlookers with a high-speed and aggressive display celebrating its pivotal role in Czech defence.
The program keeps the momentum going with the Zlin Z-142 from the Flight Training Centre Pardubice, flying from 12:48 to 12:55. This light trainer offers a glimpse into the making of a pilot, followed by the HeliCzech Bell AH-1 Cobra from 12:55 to 13:05, a Cold War-era helicopter that evokes nostalgia with its distinctive silhouette. At 13:05, a flyby of multiple Aero aircraft will take place to honour the Czech Republic’s aviation manufacturing legacy, featuring designs that have shaped the industry.
Classic jets take centre stage next, starting with the L-29 Dolphin from 13:20 to 13:30, a Soviet-era trainer with a sleek profile. Then, from 13:30 to 13:45, the L-39 Albatros from Pardubice will dazzle with aerobatics, its role in training Czech pilots underscored by its nimble performance. Coordination comes into play at 13:45 when two W-3A Sokols perform a synchro demo until 14:00, highlighting the teamwork essential for search and rescue missions.
The German Air Force joins the festivities at 14:03 with the Eurofighter Typhoon, a cutting-edge jet that roars through the sky until 14:15, showcasing European engineering at its finest. A rare treat follows from 14:15 to 14:22 with the Shark Jet, a jet-powered glider that blends elegance and power in its aerobatic routine. At 14:22, the Czech Air Force’s Mi-171 helicopter, a heavy-lift workhorse, flies until 14:34, demonstrating its might in logistical support.
Nostalgia returns with the Miles Magister, a British trainer from the 1930s, flying from 14:37 to 14:43, its wooden frame a stark contrast to modern machines. The MDM-1 Fox glider follows from 14:43 to 14:48, looping and spinning with finesse. At 14:48, Martin Šonka, a Czech aerobatic legend, takes flight in his Extra 300SR until 15:01, pushing the limits of physics with gravity-defying stunts that cement his global reputation.
Swedish aviation heritage gets its moment from 15:01 to 15:28, starting with a Saab aircraft flyby, followed by the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight featuring the Saab 32 Lansen and Saab 37 Viggen. These vintage jets, icons of Cold War design, offer a rare chance to see history in motion. The pace slows briefly at 15:33 with the An-2 Colt and Z-37 Bumblebee, agricultural planes with a rugged charm, flying until 15:45. The day’s aerial finale comes at 15:45 with the Czech Air Force’s AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters, showcasing modern combat and utility capabilities until 15:55.
On the ground, the action is just as engaging. Units from the 21st base and other Czech Army branches will present equipment displays, letting visitors get up close to aircraft, vehicles, and weaponry. These static exhibits offer a tangible connection to the forces that protect the nation. For families, a children’s corner will keep the little ones busy all day with games, competitions, and interactive fun, ensuring the event appeals to every age group.
True to its tradition of accessibility, the Open Day charges no admission fee, a gesture that reflects its community spirit. Organisers are working with the city of Čáslav to provide free shuttle buses, making the trip to the base seamless for those without cars. The event wraps up at 5:00 PM, leaving attendees with memories of a day that honoured the past, celebrated the present, and hinted at the future of Czech aviation.
The Čáslav Air Base Open Day 2025 is a rare chance to step into the world of military flight, where the roar of engines meets the quiet pride of a nation’s heritage. Whether you’re drawn by the sleek lines of the Gripen, the homegrown grit of the ALCA, or the simple joy of a day out with family, this event delivers. On May 17, 2025, head to Čáslav and let the skies tell their story.
For more information on the event, visit the official event website by clicking here.
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