From May 9 to 27, 2024, the 21st Tactical Air Base Čáslav hosted the international air exercise Lion Effort 2024 (LE24). This event involved 500 soldiers, including around 150 from other countries. Lion Effort, the fifth exercise of the JAS-39 Gripen operating nations, also known as the Gripen Users Group (GUG), followed previous exercises held in Hungary (2009), Sweden (2012), the Czech Republic (2015), and Hungary again (2018). The 2021 exercise was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LE24 featured Gripen aircraft from the Czech Air Force, Hungary, and Sweden, with Thailand participating without aircraft. Additionally, the Czech Air Force deployed L-159 light attack aircraft, C-295 CASA transport aircraft, German Eurofighter Typhoon, Polish F-16, and A-330MRTT refueling aircraft. To ensure comprehensive scenarios, the Czech Air Force activated the Air National Command Centre (ANCC), forward air controllers (JTACs) from the 22nd Helicopter Air Base Sedlec, Vícenice u Náměště nad Oslavou, and the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment Strakonice with the SURN asset as a ground air defense position. Tactical control was managed by the Czech Control and Reporting Centre (CRC).

The exercise’s flight program, spanning the weekend of May 14-23, 2024, was divided into two main segments. Morning missions operated under complex scenarios with coordination among all trainers (COMAO – Composite Air Operations), involving various aircraft types and potentially ground forces to achieve military objectives. Afternoon missions, known as Shadow wave, focused on maneuver air combat and direct air support. Over two dozen aircraft practiced advanced air combat tactics, including in-flight refueling, and worked on interoperability.

Autor

Tomasz Lechowski

A true aviation journeyman - both airshows, as well as exotic locations are seen by him as a destination. You may meet him at most of the European air shows. He is determined to cover even 20 thousand kilometers per year in his car.