Czech Air Force Appoints New Gripen Display Pilot for 2025 Season
The Czech Air Force has welcomed a new chapter in its aerial display legacy with the appointment of Captain Jan Ratz as its latest Gripen display pilot. Effective this season, Captain Ratz steps into the role previously held by Captain Ondrej Spanko, who has skillfully showcased the Czech Air Force’s capabilities across Europe since the 2021 season. With a fresh face at the controls, the air force is poised to continue its tradition of captivating audiences with the sleek and powerful JAS-39 Gripen fighter jet.
Today marked a significant milestone for Captain Ratz, as he received his public display certification, officially clearing him to perform at airshows and demonstrate the Gripen’s prowess to the public. This achievement caps off months of rigorous training and preparation, setting the stage for his debut performances later this year. Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to seeing him take the skies at some of Europe’s most prominent airshows, carrying forward the Czech Air Force’s reputation for excellence.
Czech Gripen Solo Display / NATO & Czech Air Force Days 2023
Captain Ratz’s upcoming schedule is packed with high-profile events that will put both his skills and the Gripen’s capabilities on full display. Among the confirmed appearances are the Meeting Aérien International de la Somme - Hauts de France in France, the NATO & Czech Air Force Days in Czechia, and the Radom International Airshow in Poland. There’s also a potential slot at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the UK, though this remains to be confirmed. These events represent just a handful of the venues where Captain Ratz will showcase the aircraft’s agility and power, drawing crowds eager to witness the Czech Air Force in action.
The JAS-39C Gripen, a single-seat multirole fighter crafted by Swedish aerospace giant Saab, has been a mainstay of the Czech Air Force since its introduction in 2005. Designed with a delta wing and canard layout, the Gripen boasts exceptional maneuverability thanks to its relaxed stability design and advanced fly-by-wire controls. Over the years, the Czech fleet has seen upgrades that keep it at the cutting edge, including the PS-05/A radar for precise targeting and the ability to deploy AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for air-to-air engagements. The addition of the Litening targeting pod has further expanded its versatility, making it a formidable tool for both combat and demonstration flights.
What makes the Gripen such a star at airshows is its blend of speed, agility, and advanced systems, all of which Captain Ratz will leverage in his performances. The aircraft’s lightweight frame—powered by a single Volvo RM12 engine—allows it to execute tight turns and rapid climbs that leave spectators in awe. For the Czech Air Force, which leases 14 Gripens from Sweden under a long-term agreement, the aircraft is more than a showpiece; it’s a critical component of national defense, tasked with everything from air policing to NATO interoperability missions.
Captain Ratz brings a seasoned hand to this demanding role. With years of service in the Czech Air Force and thousands of flight hours under his belt, he’s no stranger to the Gripen’s cockpit. His training for the display pilot position has been exhaustive, involving countless simulator runs and live flights to perfect the maneuvers that will thrill airshow crowds. Today’s certification is a testament to his expertise and commitment, ensuring that every roll, loop, and high-speed pass meets the exacting standards of both the air force and its discerning audiences.
Airshows like those on Captain Ratz’s itinerary are more than just entertainment—they’re a window into the world of military aviation. The Meeting Aérien International de la Somme, held in the picturesque Hauts-de-France region, draws enthusiasts from across the continent with its mix of historic and modern aircraft. The NATO & Czech Air Force Days, hosted on home soil, celebrate Czechia’s contributions to the alliance while spotlighting its air arm. Poland’s Radom International Airshow, a biennial spectacle, offers another stage for Captain Ratz to shine, while RIAT—if confirmed—would place him among the world’s elite at RAF Fairford. Each event underscores the skill required to handle a machine as sophisticated as the Gripen, while also highlighting the aircraft’s role in modern air forces.
For the Czech Air Force, the display pilot position is a chance to connect with the public and showcase its operational readiness. Since taking delivery of the Gripens nearly two decades ago, the service has used them to patrol NATO’s eastern flank, including Baltic Air Policing missions. The aircraft’s ability to integrate with allied forces, enhanced by software updates over the years, ensures it remains relevant in a rapidly evolving strategic landscape. Captain Ratz’s performances will bring this capability to life, offering a glimpse of the precision and power that define the air force’s daily operations.
Beyond the technical feats, there’s a human element to Captain Ratz’s new role. His journey to this point reflects years of dedication, from initial flight training to mastering one of the most advanced fighters in the NATO arsenal. While details of his career remain closely held—as is typical for active military personnel—his selection as display pilot speaks volumes about his proficiency and reliability. For aviation buffs, he’s a figure to watch, someone whose every maneuver will reveal both his own talents and the Gripen’s limits.
As the 2025 airshow season approaches, excitement is building around Captain Ratz’s debut. His predecessor, Captain Spanko, set a high bar with three years of polished performances, and now it’s Ratz’s turn to carry the torch. Whether he’s banking hard over the French countryside or roaring past the stands in Czechia, he’ll be piloting more than just an aircraft—he’ll be steering the public’s perception of the Czech Air Force. For those who live for the rumble of jet engines and the sight of a fighter slicing through the sky, his shows promise to be unmissable.
In the end, Captain Jan Ratz’s appointment signals a fresh era for the Czech Gripen displays. With his certification secured and a slate of major airshows ahead, he’s ready to take on the challenge of representing his country and its air force. The Gripen, with its sleek lines and thunderous presence, will once again prove why it’s a favorite among pilots and spectators alike. As Captain Ratz climbs into the cockpit, he’s not just preparing for a performance—he’s gearing up to inspire, educate, and thrill a new wave of aviation enthusiasts across Europe.
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