Centennial Air Show in Lithuania

In the event the participants could get more closely acquainted with the Baltic tasks of the Hungarian Defence Forces: 1st Lieutenant Máté Majerik flew an extremely spectacular dynamic display with the JAS-39 Gripen, tail number 38. Moreover, the visitors could learn about the type on a static display, and they had the opportunity to have a closer look at the flight equipment in the exhibition tent. During the all-day event many countries presented their aircraft. The audience was introduced to certain types of aircraft operated by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Spain and Ukraine in static and dynamic displays.

In addition to the show of the Hungarian Gripens, among others Mi-8 and AS-365 type helicopters and C-27 transport aircraft of the Lithuanian Air Force; F-16 aircraft of the Belgian and Danish Air Forces; L-159 of the Czech Air Force, the Finnish Air Force’s Hawk; the Ukrainian Air Force’s SU-27 types, and also F-18 of the Spanish Air Force; furthermore the well-known Frecce Tricoli Italian Formation could be seen in the air. From among the combat rotorcraft, the Czech Mi-24 helicopter played a role with a dynamic program in the event.

Besides the centenary of the Lithuanian Air Force, NATO celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Thanks to the anniversary, NATO’s E-3A AWACS Surveillance aircraft was present in the event.

Thanks to the varied programs and the excellent weather, more than thirty thousand people could view this year’s Lithuanian Air Show and military technology demonstration. This figure is well over the attendance of the latest event in 2012.

Photos of Lieutenant Máté Lakner and the author