Fighter pilots from Hungary, Sweden, to take part in military exercises

Fighter pilots from Hungary and Sweden flew Gripen jets to the Caslav air base in the Czech Republic ahead of international military exercises entitled Lion Effort underway through May 24. Thailand is also taking part but without its own aircraft. The exercise will mark a decade that Gripen fighter jets have been used to guard Czech airspace. In 2009 and 2011, similar exercises were held in Hungary and Sweden. The Czech air force will also send L-159 light combat planes, Mi-24 assault helicopters, Mi-171 multipurpose helicopters and C-295 CASA transport aircraft to take part. German Eurofighter Typhoons and Polish F-16s will also operate from their home bases. The military exercises will wrap-up with an air show and an open doors day at the base.

Author: Jan Velinger