Turkish Stars Roar Back to NATO Days in 2025 After 12-Year Absence
The skies above Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport are set to ignite with breathtaking aerobatic displays as the 25th NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days welcomes back the Turkish Stars after a 12-year absence.
Scheduled for September 20-21, 2025, this milestone edition of Europe’s premier security and aviation showcase promises to captivate aviation enthusiasts and families alike with a dynamic lineup, headlined by the return of Turkey’s elite aerobatic team, the Turkish Stars, alongside other world-class performers.
Turkish Stars / Sanicole Airshow 2022
Organized by Jagello 2000 in collaboration with the Czech Armed Forces and regional authorities, NATO Days in Ostrava has grown since its inception in 2001 into a cornerstone event, drawing tens of thousands to witness cutting-edge military technology and awe-inspiring aerial performances. This year’s event, marking a quarter-century of showcasing NATO and partner nations’ capabilities, will feature the Turkish Stars as the third aerobatic team, joining the British Red Arrows and Croatia’s Wings of Storm, ensuring a diverse spectacle of precision flying that will leave spectators spellbound.
The Turkish Stars, officially known as Türk Yıldızları, are the pride of the Turkish Air Force, formed on November 7, 1992, and named on January 11, 1993. Stationed at the 3rd Main Jet Base in Konya, the team operates as the 134th Aerobatic Squadron Command, embodying their motto, “A perfect harmony of skill, speed, and discipline.” Since their debut, they have flown modified Canadair NF-5A/B Freedom Fighter aircraft, acquired from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, making them one of the few aerobatic teams worldwide to perform with supersonic jets. Their fleet, currently consisting of seven NF-5A 2000 single-seat and six NF-5B 2000 dual-seat aircraft, is renowned for its agility, with a maximum speed of 710 knots and a turning radius of 4,800 feet at 0.82 Mach, allowing for intricate maneuvers that showcase the pilots’ exceptional skill.
The team’s performances are structured into three distinct packages—High, Low, and Flat Demo—tailored to weather conditions, with the High Demo Package requiring a cloud base of at least 9,000 feet for dynamic formation and solo maneuvers, and the Flat Demo Package, performed at 1,000 feet, focusing on seamless formation transitions. These displays, enhanced by a three-axis camera system installed in 2000 for precise flight evaluations, have earned the Turkish Stars global acclaim, including a world record set on August 24, 2001, when they performed for over one million spectators in Baku, Azerbaijan. Their return to Ostrava is a testament to their enduring appeal, as Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000, noted, “Turkish Stars with supersonic machines will offer a completely different show than the previously announced Croatian group Wings of Storm with turboprops and the British Red Arrows with jet trainer aircraft.”
NATO Days in Ostrava, held annually since 2003 at Leoš Janáček Airport after its initial years at Černá louka, has become a unique platform for showcasing military and security capabilities. Beyond aerobatic displays, the event features ground demonstrations, static displays of advanced equipment, and interactive presentations from NATO allies and partner nations. Past editions have highlighted historic moments, such as the first Central European appearance of the Eurofighter Typhoon in 2007 and the Czech premiere of the F-35 Lightning II in 2021. The 2011 and 2013 performances by the Turkish Stars remain etched in the event’s history, with their supersonic NF-5s delivering heart-pounding shows that were among the highlights of those years’ programs.
The Turkish Stars’ return in 2025 is particularly significant as it coincides with the Turkish Air Force’s modernization efforts. The team is slated to transition to the domestically produced TAI Hürjet, an advanced jet trainer developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, with its first flight completed on April 25, 2023. This shift, expected by the mid-2020s, will mark a new era for the team, aligning with Turkey’s push for self-reliance in aerospace technology. The Hürjet, designed to replace aging aircraft like the T-38 Talon and NF-5, promises enhanced performance, ensuring the Turkish Stars’ displays remain a pinnacle of aerobatic excellence.
Adding to the spectacle, the Turkish Stars’ performances are not just about precision flying but also about engaging the crowd. Their commentator, a hallmark of their shows, blends Czech, English, and Turkish to narrate the maneuvers, infusing humor and charisma that elevate the experience. This unique interaction left a lasting impression during their 2011 and 2013 appearances, and organizers anticipate a similar impact in 2025. “For fans of aviation and aerobatics, this year’s NATO Days will be truly special,” Pavlačík emphasized, highlighting the diverse lineup that includes the Croatian Wings of Storm, flying six Pilatus PC-9M turboprop trainers, and the iconic Red Arrows, performing with their Hawk T1 jet trainers.
The 25th edition of NATO Days will also feature a robust ground program, with demonstrations from the Czech Armed Forces, police, and rescue services, alongside displays of cutting-edge military hardware. The event’s historical significance is underscored by its role in fostering public understanding of NATO’s mission and the Czech Republic’s contributions to collective security. Poland, a consistent participant since 2001, and other nations will showcase their capabilities, reinforcing the event’s international scope. With an estimated attendance of over 100,000, based on the 110,000 visitors in 2024 and 185,000 in 2023, the 2025 show is poised to be a landmark celebration.
The Turkish Stars’ return is a highlight not to be missed, their supersonic NF-5s roaring through the Ostrava skies, weaving intricate patterns with precision and flair. As they prepare to transition to the TAI Hürjet, this performance may be one of the last opportunities to see their iconic Freedom Fighters in action. For aviation enthusiasts, military personnel, and families alike, the 25th NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days promises an unforgettable weekend of skill, technology, and spectacle, with the Turkish Stars shining brightly once again.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official NATO & Czech Air Force Days website by clicking here.
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