NATO Days, 2015

Yesterday saw me in Ostrava for the 2015 edition of the annual NATO Day exhibition showcasing modern air and ground military forces as well as civilian police and emergency response services.

Low cloud and haze played havoc with most photos I tried to take of flying performances. However, it was a good day out with some old favorites coming back and some new visitors coming for the first time.

Here’s a taste of the day:

The Czech police Bell 412 approches for landing with the Slovak police Bell 429 close behind.
The Czech police Bell 412 approches for landing with the Slovak police Bell 429 close behind.
Czech and Slovak police helicopters parked in line with a Czech air force PZL W-3 Sokol.
Czech and Slovak police helicopters parked in line with a Czech air force PZL W-3 Sokol.
The Czech air force's A319 Airbus brings in ministers and other VIP sorts.
The Czech air force’s A319 Airbus brings in ministers and other VIP sorts.
A NATO Day standard, a Slovak air force MiG-29 taxis out to perform.
A NATO Day standard, a Slovak air force MiG-29 taxis out to perform.
The Augusta-Westland AW139, a first time visitor to the event, stirs up some grass on landing. This one was provided by the Italian air force.
The Augusta-Westland AW139, a first time visitor to the event, stirs up some grass on landing. This one was provided by the Italian air force.
The Dutch are regular attendees to the event, but this year marked the first time they've brought in one of their KDC-10 tanker aircraft.
The Dutch are regular attendees to the event, but this year marked the first time they’ve brought in one of their KDC-10 tanker aircraft.
Another tanker, the U.S. Air Force's Boeing KC-135 is no stranger to the event.
Another tanker, the U.S. Air Force’s Boeing KC-135 is no stranger to the event.
The Polish navy sent one of their PZL M28 Bryza patrol aircraft. An increasingly common visitor to the event.
The Polish navy sent one of their PZL M28 Bryza patrol aircraft. An increasingly common visitor to the event.
After a couple of years absent, the Royal Air Force's Panavia Tornado strike aircraft returned to the event.
After a couple of years absent, the Royal Air Force’s Panavia Tornado strike aircraft returned to the event.
The Austrians never miss NATO Day, but this year marked the first time they've brought their Saab 105 trainers with them.
The Austrians never miss NATO Day, but this year marked the first time they’ve brought their Saab 105 trainers with them.
A Czech air force CASA 295 transport coming to land after unloading a group of paratroopers over the show.
A Czech air force CASA 295 transport coming to land after unloading a group of paratroopers over the show.
Low over the battlefield, the mighty Mil Mi-24/35 "Hind" helicopter is in its element.
Low over the battlefield, the mighty Mil Mi-24/35 “Hind” helicopter is in its element.