U.S. B-1B bombers fly over Czech Republic’s NATO Days airshow

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft performed a flyover during the NATO Days and Czech Air Force Days airshow at Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport, Czech Republic, Sept. 19, 2026.

The B-1B's blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry wings and turbofan engines combine to provide long range, maneuverability and high speed, enabling the aircraft to deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons anywhere, anytime. The flyover highlights the U.S. Air Force's commitment to preserve peace, strengthen deterrence and ensure a secure, prosperous European theater.

"The B-1 flyover at NATO Days in Ostrava is a powerful display of American airpower and a clear demonstration of our deterrence as our Allies continue to make historic investments in European defense," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa. "I'm grateful to our Czech hosts as family events like this remind us that NATO has always been a defensive Alliance, safeguarding peace."

First established in 2001 as a regional public presentation of armed forces, police, and rescue personnel, NATO Days in Ostrava has evolved over a quarter-century into one of Europe's premier security and defense showcases. It regularly draws up to 200,000 visitors, making it the most attended two-day family and public event in the Czech Republic.

"Flying the B-1 over Ostrava allows our aircrews to put Allied readiness into practice at the tactical level," said a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer pilot. "Integrating with our Czech Allies sharpens our joint combat readiness and sends a clear unified message of our collective defense and ability to rapidly project decisive airpower in the theater."

In addition to integrating the B-1B Lancers, the event featured flight demonstrations from 14 nations, static aircraft displays, joint ground-force operations, special forces demonstrations and displays of cutting-edge technology.

As the air component for both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, USAFE-AFAFRICA executes the air component missions with forward-based airpower and infrastructure to conduct and enable theater and global operations. USAFE-AFAFRICA directs air operations in a theater spanning three continents, covering more than 19 million square miles, and containing 104 independent states.