As I do every year during this season, I checked how my taxes were being spent on defense expenses. And just like every year, I was satisfied.
As always, the program NATO Days 2025 alternated between aerial and ground demonstrations. I watched most of them from the grandstand - after all, I'm a dignified older gentleman who's past sitting on the grass (LOL).
For this article, I've selected ground technology demonstrations (I'll save the aerial demonstrations for next time). In the photos, you can see combat vehicle Pandur EVO, Leopard tanks (versions 2A4 and 2A8), the TITUS armored vehicle (Tactical Infantry Transport and Utility System), the CV90 MkIV combat vehicle (the version for the Czech Army designated as CV9030CZ), and the older infantry fighting vehicle BVP-1. As suggested, all these vehicles are (or will be) part of the Czech Armed Forces.
On the grandstand, I overheard a woman behind me saying how uncomfortable it made her to see these tanks pointing right at us. Actually, she had a point. All that military hardware looked menacing and battle-ready - which is exactly what you'd expect from military equipment, right? 😊
By the way, from previous years I was familiar with the older T-72M4CZ tanks, but just by looking, I could tell these Leopards were in a completely different league.
NATO is a symbol of dominance, strength, and unity for me. It's one of the powerful guarantees of peace and freedom in Europe, and I'm glad my country is part of it. We are NATO too. #WeAreNATO
Besides military equipment, the NATO Days also showcased medical, firefighting, and police vehicles. By the way - what other country uses Ferrari as police cars?
And here's a little side note: There I was, strolling through the exhibits, admiring the displayed equipment, when suddenly I realize my President and Chief Commander is standing right next to me 😊
