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).
