Fighter jets over Charles Bridge to mark Czech NATO anniversary

On Tuesday morning, six aircraft will fly over Prague to symbolically commemorate the 25th anniversary of Czechia’s joining NATO. This event coincides with former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to Prague, where he will attend a security conference on Tuesday.

At about 10:20 a.m., the aircraft will take off in South Bohemia, forming a symbolic V-shape before continuing along the Vltava River. At approximately 10:30 a.m., the formation will fly over Prague about 200 meters above ground level. According to the Czech army, the jets will fly directly over Charles Bridge. They will then turn east and return to their respective bases.

The flyover will consist of three JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft, along with two Eurofighter Typhoons and an Airbus A-400MS Atlas transport aircraft from Germany.

In addition to honoring the Czech Republic's membership in NATO, the event observes 25 years of cooperation between Czech and German air forces.

"Each state is responsible for guarding its own airspace, but we share this responsibility within the alliance [NATO]. We often assist each other," said Czech Air Force Commander Petr Čepelka on the close connection between the Czech and German air forces.

In addition to the flyover, an international conference – titled "Our Security Cannot Be Taken for Granted" – will take place at Prague Castle to celebrate 25 years of Czech membership in NATO. As well as featuring Clinton, the event will also see former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and President Petr Pavel talk about the important of NATO security amid Europe's currently unstable geopolitics.

Clinton arrived on Sunday in Prague and spent a casual evening at Reduta Jazz Club. This was the same club he visited with Václav Havel in 1994, where he famously played the saxophone during an impromptu performance. He will meet with Fiala today at the prime minister's official Prague residence, Kramář's Villa.