Náměšť Air Base Open Day to return in 2026 for 70th anniversary celebrations
Náměšť Air Base will welcome the public back in 2026, with an Open Day confirmed at the Czech Air Force helicopter hub on Saturday 16 May 2026.
The event will also carry a clear anniversary theme. 2026 marks 70 years since 1956, with 1 October 1956 treated as the key start date linked to the establishment of the 20th Fighter Aviation Regiment, the unit most closely tied to the base’s origins.
Home-based aircraft often form the centrepiece of the aerial programme, reflecting the base’s role as the Czech Air Force’s primary helicopter hub.
A milestone year for a major Czech military airfield
Náměšť’s story begins in 1956. On 20 June 1956, the government of the then Czechoslovak Republic approved the construction of an airfield at Náměšť nad Oslavou under Resolution No. 1674. A few months later, on 1 October 1956, the 20th Fighter Aviation Regiment (20. stíhací letecký pluk) was formed, initially operating from Čáslav as part of the newly created 6th Fighter Aviation Division in Brno. With the new Vysočina airfield completed, the regiment moved to Náměšť nad Oslavou on 14 January 1960, securing the base’s place as a permanent military aviation site.
Over the decades, Náměšť’s resident units evolved through multiple reorganisations and aircraft transitions. It is a base with a genuine “layered” history, shaped by Cold War force structure, post-1990 restructuring, and the modernisation push that has reshaped the Czech Air Force for NATO operations.
Fast jets from Čáslav have supported previous editions, adding a fixed-wing contrast to the base’s helicopter-focused programme.
From fast jets to helicopters
For much of the Cold War era, Náměšť was a fast jet station. Units based at the airfield operated MiG-15 variants, later transitioning into the strike and fighter-bomber world with the Su-7, followed by Su-22 and Su-25. Training and light combat types also played their part, including the L-29 Delfín and L-39ZA Albatros, and later the L-159 ALCA, reflecting a gradual shift from pure fighter operations into tactical and multi-role aviation.
Today, Náměšť’s identity is firmly rotary-wing. The modern 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base was created in December 2013 through the merger of the former bases at Přerov and Náměšť, consolidating Czech military helicopter capability at one primary operating location. The base now fields the Mi-171Š medium transport helicopter and the H-1 system, comprising the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper.
The medium-lift fleet remains a core element of Czech tactical air mobility and combat support operations.
The units based at Náměšť
Náměšť Air Base is home to the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base and the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Wing, built around two operational flying squadrons supported by a full spectrum of technical, command and logistics units.
The 221st Helicopter Squadron operates the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom, delivering the Czech Air Force’s modern combat helicopter capability. In practical terms, that covers close air support and armed escort tasks, air mobility support, and advanced tactical training. The H-1 platform is a major step in capability and interoperability, particularly in how it aligns the Czech helicopter force with NATO standards, both in equipment and in operational concept.
The 222nd Helicopter Squadron flies the Mi-171Š, maintaining the service’s medium-lift backbone. Its mission set covers tactical transport and combat support, with a strong emphasis on the kind of practical, workhorse tasks that define modern helicopter operations, including support to special operations forces.
Sustained readiness is underpinned by the 223rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the base’s support elements. The 224th Command Support Squadron provides communications and deployable command infrastructure, while the 225th Combat Support Squadron manages airfield operations, base protection, and forward air control functions in coordination with the national Integrated Rescue System. The 226th Logistics Squadron sustains the entire operation through supply, transport and materiel support.
Put together, these units make Náměšť the Czech Republic’s primary helicopter hub, able to support domestic tasking, large-scale exercises and expeditionary operations.
Home-based aircraft often form the centrepiece of the aerial programme, reflecting the base’s role as the Czech Air Force’s primary helicopter hub.
What the Open Day is really about
No flying display participants have been published yet for the 2026 Open Day, and at this stage the public detail is date-led. That is normal for Czech military open days, where the programme is typically released in steps as operational commitments and visiting participation are finalised.
Even without a line-up, the intent of a Náměšť Open Day is well established. This is not a small “airfield open house.” It is usually built as a broad, high-tempo showcase of Czech military aviation and wider defence capability, combining flying activity with extensive ground displays, staged demonstrations, and public-facing engagement from supporting organisations.
That matters because it changes what visitors should expect. The flying is important, but the day is designed to show the whole system, aircraft, crews, maintainers, support units, and the wider defence ecosystem that keeps a frontline base functioning.
Previous editions have blended operational military aviation with heritage elements, linking the base’s Cold War history to its modern mission.
What previous editions at Náměšť show
The most recent Náměšť Open Day in 2024 returned after a long gap and provided a clear template for how the base approaches the event. The day ran 09:00 to 16:00, with free entry, and parking managed separately. The aerial element included a headline mass flypast featuring the base’s helicopter types, with fixed-wing support from elsewhere in the Czech Air Force, a format that fits Náměšť perfectly because it keeps the centre of gravity on home capability while still giving the public a broader aviation picture.
Just as important as the flying, the 2024 event leaned heavily into ground content. Visitors could expect a dense mix of static aircraft, vehicles, and capability displays, plus staged demonstrations designed to show how different parts of the Armed Forces operate together. That combined structure is exactly why Náměšť works so well as a public event. It delivers enough aviation to satisfy enthusiasts, while remaining accessible and interesting for families who are not there purely for the aircraft types.
The Sokol has previously appeared as part of the broader Czech aviation presence, highlighting the diversity of rotary-wing capability shown at the event.
2025 at Čáslav, 2026 back to Náměšť
In 2025, the Czech Air Force’s major public base event focus moved to Čáslav, which hosted its Open Day on 17 May 2025. The emphasis there naturally sits on the fast jet side of the service, with the Gripen force and tactical air power taking centre stage.
With Náměšť confirmed for 2026, the spotlight swings back to helicopters, and that shift tends to produce a very different style of programme. Helicopter open days usually feel more mission-led and more “close-up” in character, because the aircraft are designed to operate in direct support of ground forces, and demonstrations often reflect that reality.
Open Days at Náměšť often feature participation from across the Czech Air Force, combining air defence fighters and tactical transport aircraft alongside the home-based helicopter fleet.
Why 2026 is a strong year to visit
The 70th anniversary provides a clear historical framework for the 2026 event, linking the base’s 1956 foundations and the establishment of the 20th Fighter Aviation Regiment to its present-day helicopter mission. It creates a coherent narrative that reflects how Náměšť has evolved, from a Cold War fast jet station to the Czech Air Force’s primary helicopter hub. The aircraft on the flightline today represent a modern, NATO-aligned capability with direct operational relevance.
Even without any aircraft announced at this stage, Náměšť remains a must-see event for aviation fans. For visitors travelling from outside Czechia in particular, the opportunity to see the Czech Air Force’s UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper in a home-base setting is still relatively rare on the European display circuit. Public flying appearances by the H-1 fleet remain limited, and Náměšť provides one of the few realistic chances to see these helicopters presented as part of an operational wing rather than as isolated show participants.
Combined with the Mi-171Š fleet and the broader base showcase, the 2026 Open Day already carries strong appeal regardless of additional participation.
The Viper represents the Czech Air Force’s modern attack helicopter capability and remains a relatively rare sight at European public flying events.
What to watch for next
For now, the confirmed detail is the date. The next meaningful updates will be the programme outline, access and traffic arrangements, and the first confirmed indications of visiting aircraft. Those points will define the balance between home-based helicopter content, other Czech Air Force participation, and any civilian or historic aircraft that may be added as the event approaches.
