From our contact in Lithuania:
The year 2012 is a very special for Lithuanian Air force and Lithuanian Air force Air base, we are celebrating 20 years anniversary of reestablishment. In 1992 the 2nd of January was founded Aviation department to Minister of Defense. In the same year on the 18th of June the very first Lithuanian Air force aircraft “An-2” wearing Lithuanian state markings has scrambled.
From the beginning of this year LTU AF Air base is preparing to commemorate 20 years anniversary. From 2nd of January are organized various festive events: meetings with the academic society, with teachers and pupils, meetings with population of different country districts, during these meetings were presented briefings about LTU AF and Air base activities and achievements. On this occasion various souvenirs, gifts, posters, videos and photos adorned were made up, these things are symbolizing and representing the spirit of the Air force.
The main event of the anniversary is an Air show “Iron Wings 2012” that will be organized in LTU AF Air base on the 26th of May. The Air base is deployed next to Northern Lithuanian city Šiauliai. The Base was chosen because it is the only one military Air base in all country, there is deployed NATO contingent that is in charge of NATO Air policing mission. The airfield itself is one of the most modern airfields in the Eastern Europe. Because of very convenient spot and access (roads, railways) we expect in the Air show more then 20 000 visitors. To the show are invited not only local population, but also people from neighborhood countries and other European countries as well. This show is unique because for the first time in Lithuania history the Air show will be combined with Lithuanian Armed Forces and Society Day that is dedicated to present to the civil society the activities and achievements, weaponry and military transportation of all branches of LTU Armed forces. The main organizers of the Air show “Iron Wings 2012” are LTU Air forces and Air base. You’ll have opportunity to learn closer our aircrafts, radars, air defense equipment. In the show has intention attend around 40 flying objects: combat and transportation aircrafts, helicopters, civilian aircrafts. During the show the pilotage will be demonstrated by Lithuanian pilots flying old replicas and modern aircrafts, quest pilots from NATO countries will perform the show in the air as well. The programme will be added with very intensive air to ground developments. More over all visitors will have opportunity to observe big range of different types of aircrafts static displays, over-ground techniques and weaponry.