Czech Air Force Gripen fighters have successfully participated in the NATO Tiger Meet 2009 exercise.
More than 70 aircrafts were involved in the 43rd NATO Tiger Meet, including Gripens from 211th tactical squadron Čáslav Air Force Base in the Czech Republic. The Czech Air Force has been a member of the Tiger association since 1991 and last year they participated in their first NATO Tiger Meet with Gripen.
NATO Tiger Meet 2009
The exercise was held at the Belgian air base Kleine Brogel and during the ten days of flight the Czech team completed 37 missions. The Commander of 211th Tactical Squadron Čáslav Air Force Base, Jaroslav Mika, assessed the exercise as very useful when he said that NATO Tiger Meet 2009 was a huge benefit for the Czech squadron for the near as well as distant future.
Czech Gripen fighters are experiencing a busy year during which they have in the NATO Air Policing Mission ensured the security of the Baltic States, protected domestic airspace, participated in international military exercises and presented themselves to the public at many air shows. Their participation in NATO Tiger Meet 2009 will give them the possibility to apply for full membership in the association next year.
