Polish Air Force is a traditional participant of NATO Days in Ostrava and spectators already had the opportunity to watch many types of aircrafts, which our northern neighbour operates. This year Siły Powietrzne are showing MiG-29 fighter jet, Su-22 fighter bomber and C-295 tactical transport aircraft.

Although C-295 could have been seen in Ostrava during previous NATO Days, MiG-29 and Su-22 are going to have their premier there. Especially Su-22, the last member of Su-7/17/20 family, is very unique plane today. Developed for surprise and precious strikes on ground targets, this swing-wing fighter-bomber was the backbone of Warsaw Pact bomber wings during Cold War. Poland uses this type still quite extensively with total number of forty Su-22M4s in service. They can use them for strike and reconnaissance missions and it is the only type of aircraft in Polish service, which can provide close air support for ground units.  

Another premier aircraft in Ostrava is MiG-29. Slovak Air Force have promised participation of this fighter in past, however it had to be cancelled on last moment. Famous fighter jet from legendary Mikolaj and Gurjevic construction bureau has served in all Central and East European air forces. Its main features contain high manoeuvrability and fast climbing. „We believe that all of these aircrafts will delight many visitors, because the possibility to see them in one place is very rare,” says Zbynek Pavlacik chairman of main organizer - Jagello 2000 Association There is an interesting fact, that although MiG-29 was developed to counterweight American F-16 Fighting Falcon, today‘s Poland uses both these types. In addition, NATO Days visitors will have the opportunity to see Dutch F-16 Demo Team.

Last contribution from Poland is represented by C-295 of Spanish provenience, which has already taken part in Mosnov airport. It is light tactical military transport aircraft with ability to carry nine tonnes of cargo. It is also in service with Czech Air Force, which obtained first aircraft in January 2010. In both air forces C-295s replace obsolete An-26. Poland has eleven aircrafts in comparison to four in the Czech Republic. Czech Air Force used to operate MiG-29 as well, but it exchanged them with Poland for W-3A Sokol helicopters.

Author: Michal Mádl

See you at the 10^th NATO Days in Ostrava,
1^st Czech Air Force Days,
and AirIn Fair 2010!