Wings of Storm: Croatia’s Elite Aerobatic Team Returns to NATO Days 2025
The Croatian Air Force’s celebrated aerobatic team, Krila Oluje, known as Wings of Storm, is set to make a much-anticipated return to the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days in 2025. After a seven-year absence, their performance at Mosnov Airport will mark a thrilling comeback for this skilled six-member team, delighting aviation enthusiasts and casual spectators alike with their precision and artistry in the skies.
Comprising instructor pilots from the 93rd Military Airbase in Zemunik, Krila Oluje will take flight in six Pilatus PC-9M turboprop trainers, bringing their unique brand of aerobatic excellence to one of Europe’s premier airshows. This event, renowned for its impressive lineup of military and civilian aircraft, offers the ideal platform for the team to demonstrate their capabilities to an international audience, rekindling their connection with Ostrava after weather-related setbacks thwarted their participation twice in the past.
Krila Oluje / Nato & Czech Air Force Days 2018
Founded in 2004, Krila Oluje began as a four-aircraft formation before expanding to five planes in 2005 and settling into its current six-ship configuration by 2009. Over the years, the team has built a strong reputation across Europe, performing at major airshows and earning accolades for their disciplined and daring displays. A standout moment came in 2017 when they received an award for the most precise flying demonstration at the Slovak International Air Fest, underscoring their commitment to perfection. What makes their performances particularly compelling is that these pilots are not full-time aerobatic specialists but active flight instructors, tasked with training Croatia’s future military aviators—a dual role that highlights their exceptional skill and dedication.
The team’s aircraft, the Pilatus PC-9M, is a Swiss-designed turboprop trainer that combines agility with reliability, making it an excellent fit for their demanding routines. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 engine, the PC-9M boasts a maximum speed of 593 km/h and a service ceiling of 11,580 meters. The Croatian Air Force operates 14 of these versatile machines, primarily for advanced pilot training, though Krila Oluje uses them to stunning effect in the airshow circuit. Unlike many aerobatic teams that enhance their displays with smoke emitters or modified aircraft, Krila Oluje relies entirely on the raw talent of its pilots, flying standard, unmodified PC-9Ms in tight formations with separations as close as two meters and speeds reaching 550 km/h.
This emphasis on skill over spectacle is a hallmark of the team’s philosophy. Their performances are a showcase of the Croatian Air Force’s training standards and teamwork, executed with a level of precision that leaves little room for error. At NATO Days 2025, visitors will have the chance to see this approach in action and compare it to the jet-powered flair of the British Red Arrows, who will also perform with their Hawk aircraft. The contrast between the turbo-prop finesse of Krila Oluje and the high-speed dynamism of the Red Arrows promises to be a fascinating highlight, offering a rare glimpse into two distinct aerobatic traditions.
The road to this year’s event hasn’t been without challenges. Bad weather has twice prevented Krila Oluje from taking part in NATO Days, making their 2025 appearance all the more significant. Their persistence reflects not only their enthusiasm for the event but also the strong support from organizers like Jagello 2000, who have long admired the team’s abilities. Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000, has praised the group as one of the most highly regarded in its category, noting their ability to captivate audiences with their close-formation flying and intricate maneuvers.
Adding a layer of historical depth to Krila Oluje’s story is the contribution of Captain Diana Dobos, who flew with the team from 2005 to 2007. During her tenure, she became the third woman in the world to perform in an aerobatic team, breaking barriers and inspiring others in a field often dominated by men. Her time with Wings of Storm remains a point of pride for the group, reflecting their progressive spirit and the broader impact they’ve had on Croatian aviation.
NATO Days in Ostrava is no small stage for this comeback. Known as one of Europe’s top airshows, it draws massive crowds—often numbering in the hundreds of thousands—to witness a diverse array of aircraft, from modern fighters like the F-35 Lightning II, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen to helicopters, transport planes, and historic warbirds. Beyond the aerial displays, the event features ground exhibits of military equipment, interactive experiences, and chances to meet aircrew, making it a comprehensive celebration of aviation heritage and innovation. Krila Oluje’s return adds a layer of prestige to an already packed lineup, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a must-see for anyone passionate about flight.
As September 20-21, 2025, approaches, excitement is mounting for what promises to be a standout performance. Krila Oluje’s blend of technical mastery and understated elegance is set to captivate the Ostrava crowd, proving once again why they’re considered among the elite in aerobatic circles. For those who’ve followed their journey, this is more than just another airshow appearance—it’s a triumphant return, a chance to see Croatia’s Wings of Storm spread their wings once more over Mosnov Airport. Whether you’re an aviation aficionado or simply curious, this is an event not to miss.
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 2025 website by clicking here.
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