NATO Days in Ostrava, in the Czech Republic, is the biggest security show in Europe, and in this special episode — part of a two-part series — we had the special privilege to chat with two important leaders organizing this exposition of NATO Airpower: Colonel (Ret.) David Webb (USAF), longtime B-52 electronic warfare officer and current North American representative for Jagello 2000, and Colonel Michal Kudyn (Czech Air Force), head of training and exercises and this year’s Display Director for NATO Days in Ostrava.

Drawing more than 200,000 visitors a year, NATO Days in Ostrava is more than just an airshow; it is a full-spectrum security display, combining air demonstrations with ground forces, air defense, armored vehicles, and even working dogs. In the episode, Colonel Kudyn and Colonel Webb share with listeners how the event has grown from a small one-day gathering in 2001 into a massive multinational showcase demonstrating collective defense.

NATO Days in Ostrava offers attendees a vivid picture of Allied security and cooperation, assuring Allied publics of their security across the 32-member Alliance. This year, Italy serves as the special partner nation, bringing the F-35 and other assets, while the Czech Air Force takes pride in hosting Allies and building new bonds. In the episode, both leaders emphasize NATO Days in Ostrava as not just a display of power, but also a platform for community engagement, education, and a reminder that the Alliance is stronger together.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement.

Straight to your email! Subscribe to our Substack to receive full text transcripts of our exclusive interviews with esteemed guests on The Allied Airpower Podcast. natoaircom.substack.com Did you know that Türkiye and the U.S. are not part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)? How does maritime, air, and space parallel each other in terms of international law? What is Freedom of Navigation and Freedom of Maneuver anyways? And why does this matter to Airpower?In this episode, we draw on decades of experience from a career naval legal officer and academic from the University of Adelaide to help us answer these questions. Professor Dale Stephens explores how freedom of navigation and freedom of maneuver shape military and civilian activity across sea, air, and space.The discussion traces the historical roots of maritime law, from Roman claims over the Mediterranean to the Treaty of Tordesillas and Grotius’ principle of the “freedom of the seas.” The Professor explains how modern law balances state sovereignty with global trade needs.He highlights today’s challenges, including China’s South China Sea claims, security tensions in the Arctic, and air incidents involving lasers and close intercepts, showing how states push legal “grey zones” to expand control. The conversation then extends into space law, where treaties like the Outer Space Treaty set limits (e.g., banning weapons of mass destruction in orbit) but leave open questions about sovereignty, militarization, and commercialization.

Looking to the future, Dr. Stephens stresses the importance of defending the rules-based international order to prevent fragmentation into narrow national interests. He closes with a message of gratitude to NATO service members, emphasizing the honor and necessity of their sacrifice in maintaining global security.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement.

In this episode, we explore how NATO Allies are showcasing Airpower, strengthening deterrence, and adapting to new operational challenges across Europe.

First, we head to Latvia, where Hungarian and Swedish JAS-thirty-nine Gripens joined U.S. Air Force B-one-B Lancer bombers for a formation flyover above Riga’s famous Monument of Freedom. The mission highlighted NATO’s ability to integrate advanced aircraft and demonstrated transatlantic unity on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Next, we shift north to Iceland, where the Belgian Air Force has taken over NATO’s Air Policing mission from Spain. For the first time, Belgium deployed F-16s to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, working alongside the Icelandic Coast Guard and NATO controllers to safeguard Arctic skies and maintain quick reaction alert until mid-September.

Finally, we head to Denmark’s Lakolk Beach, where a Norwegian C-130J Super touched down on sand for the first time. This milestone event was part of Agile Combat Employment training, proving that Allied aircrews can operate from unconventional surfaces like beaches and highways when traditional runways aren’t available.

From Bomber Task force integration, to safeguarding remote airspace, to landing heavy aircraft on sand. The message is clear: the Alliance is ready to respond anytime, anywhere.