SIX F-16 FALCONS AND ONE KC-135 ARRIVE IN CZECH REPUBLIC FOR SKY AVENGER 2018

The U.S. aircraft to operate together with Czech fighters and helicopters during the ten-day-exercise.

Six F-16 Fighting Falcons and one KC-135 Stratotanker, arrive in the Czech Republic for Sky Avenger 2018.

Approximately 100 Airmen along with six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft belonging to the 149th Fighter Wing at Kelly Field Annex, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, one KC-135 Stratotanker belonging to the 155th Air Refueling Wing at Lincoln Air National Guard Base, Nebraska and support equipment arrived in Czech Republic on May 15, to participate in exercise Sky Avenger 2018.

Sky Avenger 2018 will be held at the 21st Tactical Air Force Base at Caslav from June 18 to 29, 2018. The bi-national exercise is based on long-term cooperation between the Czech AF and the guard units from Nebraska and Texas. It was established in 1993, when the U.S. personnel assisted the Czech military on their road to became a NATO member.

Czech Air Force assets involve JAS-39 Gripen and L-159 ALCA fighter jets from Caslav Air Base, while Mi-24/35 and Mi-171 helicopters flying from their home base, 22nd Helicopter Base at Náměšť nad Oslavou. The USAF F-16 jets will operate from Caslav while the KC-135 from Pardubice Airport.

Caslav Air Base will be open to aviation enthusiasts on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 for the Sky Avenger 2018 Spotters Day (accreditation required via info@afbcaslav.cz). The program for registered spotters includes photo opportunities at 100 meters from the runway e.g of take-offs and landings of Texas ANG F-16 Fighting Falcon and a training approaches of the Nebraska National Guard KC-135 tanker. They will be joined by Czech Air Force JAS-39 Gripen fast jets and L-159 ALCA fighters.

Source: USAFE, NATO