MODERN CZECH AIR FORCE FIGHTER PILOT

Contemporary Czech Air Force (Czech. Vzdusne forces Armada Ceske republiky) has 108 aircraft, including 60 aircraft and 48 helicopters. These forces arose in 1993, shortly after the collapse of Czechoslovakia. Their current commander is Brigadier General Peter Hromek. The basic combat aircraft are the JAS-39 Gripen multi-role fighters and the Aero L-159 light attack machines. In transport aviation, there are planes such as Let L-410, Airbus A319 or CASA C-295. The helicopter forces consist of Mi-8, Mi-24 and PZL W-3A machines. The main air bases are located in Prague and its immediate vicinity, but also in such cities as Caslav, Pardubice and Pilzno. It is worth adding that the Czech Air Force took a limited part in operations in Afghanistan (from 2009-2010), and also handed over its own Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters to the Afghan armed forces. They also delegated machines for tasks related to Baltic Air Policing over the Baltic countries.