Caslav Air Base Open Day 2025 – Celebrating 25 Years of L-159 Alca and 20 Years of JAS39 Gripen
The 25th anniversary of the L-159 Alca in Czech Air Force service will be celebrated in grand style on May 17th at the Caslav Air Base Open Day 2025, an event set to captivate aviation enthusiasts across Europe. Hosted at the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Caslav—one of the Czech Republic’s premier military airfields—this biennial spectacle offers a rare glimpse into the nation’s aviation prowess, blending cutting-edge technology with a rich historical legacy. With 2025 marking a dual milestone, the event promises an unforgettable showcase under the Central Bohemian skies.
The last Open Day, held in 2023, left a lasting impression. Fantastic weather prevailed for most of the day, setting the stage for a varied and thrilling program. Crowds marvelled at historic aircraft like the LET C-11—a Czechoslovak-built Yak-11 trainer—and the Aero CS-102, a MiG-15UTI variant, alongside modern stars such as the JAS39 Gripen and L-159 Alca. International highlights included the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptors, adding a transatlantic punch to the lineup. From aerobatic displays to static exhibitions, the event delivered something for everyone, reinforcing Caslav’s status as a top draw for aviation fans.
Czech Air Force Alca pair / Slovak International Air Fest 2021
This year, the stakes are even higher. Alongside the L-159 Alca’s quarter-century of service, the 2025 Open Day will honor 20 years of the JAS39 Gripen in the Czech Air Force. These two aircraft have been pillars of Czech military aviation, embodying both homegrown ingenuity and international partnership. The celebration will spotlight their histories, capabilities, and enduring contributions, while offering a packed program of aerial and ground displays to bring their stories to life.
The L-159 Alca’s journey began in the late 1990s, born from the expertise of Aero Vodochody, the Czech Republic’s storied aerospace manufacturer. Designed as a light combat aircraft and advanced trainer, the Alca—short for Advanced Light Combat Aircraft—took flight in 1997. On April 10, 2000, the first two L-159s landed at Caslav Air Base, officially joining the Czech Air Force. Over the past 25 years, this subsonic jet has proven its mettle in roles ranging from close air support to reconnaissance, its versatility bolstered by a rugged airframe and modern avionics. Variants like the two-seat L-159T and the upgraded L-159T2X, with its enhanced systems and fresh camouflage debut planned for 2025, ensure the Alca remains a vital asset. For Czech pilots, it’s a stepping stone to advanced fighters, while its combat record in exercises underscores its reliability.
The JAS39 Gripen arrived later, transforming Czech air defense at a pivotal moment. By 2004, with aging MiG-21s nearing retirement, the Czech Republic turned to Sweden, leasing 14 Gripen multirole fighters. The first jets entered service in August 2005, bringing fourth-generation technology to the force. Equipped with advanced radar, precision weaponry, and NATO interoperability, the Gripen redefined the Czech Air Force’s capabilities. Over 20 years, it has guarded Czech airspace, joined multinational drills like Lion Effort, and flown Baltic Air Policing missions, cementing its role as a cornerstone of national and alliance security.
At the heart of the L-159’s story is Aero Vodochody, a company woven into the fabric of Czech aviation since 1919. Based near Prague, Aero has produced iconic aircraft like the L-39 Albatros, a Cold War-era trainer still flown by air forces worldwide, with over 2,800 built. The L-159 Alca carried this legacy forward, while the firm’s latest offering, the L-39NG, promises to redefine training aircraft with its modern design. For the 2025 Open Day, Aero is set to steal the show, presenting a unique display of its training lineage. Starting with the L-29 Delfin from 1963—a Warsaw Pact standard trainer—the lineup will span the L-39C Albatros, L-159A, L-159T, L-159T2X, and culminate with the L-39NG. Formation flights and solo demonstrations will trace this evolution, a testament to Aero’s enduring impact.
The L-39NG and the newly camouflaged L-159T2X will headline Aero’s contribution, blending innovation with a nod to the past. It’s a rare chance to see this “family” of aircraft together, bridging six decades of Czech aerospace achievement.
Details for the 2025 Open Day are still unfolding, but one standout is already confirmed: the German Air Force’s Eurofighter Solo Display. Flown by “Noble” from TaktLwG 74 at Neuburg Air Base in Bavaria, this dynamic performance will thrill onlookers with the Typhoon’s raw power and precision. The Czech Flying Bulls with their XtremeAir Sbach 342 quartet are also due to take part in the open day. Beyond that, the program’s full scope remains under wraps, though expectations are sky-high given the anniversaries. The Czech Air Force is likely to roll out nearly its entire fleet—think JAS39 Gripens and L-159 Alcas in flight, Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopters showing off combat search-and-rescue skills, and CASA C-295M transports anchoring the static displays.
NATO allies will almost certainly join in, building on the impressive international flair showcased in 2023. On the civilian front, we can expect a large number of talented civilian performers as well as an array of historic aircraft from all across Czechia.
The Caslav Air Base Open Day 2025 isn’t just an airshow—it’s a living tribute to Czech aviation’s past and present. For enthusiasts who geek out over thrust-to-weight ratios or airframe histories, the chance to see the L-159 Alca and JAS39 Gripen celebrated alongside Aero Vodochody’s lineage is pure gold. Set against the backdrop of a base that’s hosted everything from MiG-21s to modern NATO jets, this event will blend spectacle with substance. As the program takes shape, one thing’s certain: Caslav will deliver a day of noise, nostalgia, and national pride that’ll linger long after the last engine fades.
For more information on the open day, visit the official Caslav Air Base website by clicking here.
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