Over the weekend of 1st and 2nd September 2018 over 100,000 visitors were expected for the 8th edition of the SIAF at Sliac Air Base in Slovakia. The annual airshow at Sliac was also celebrating the 100 years of the Czech and Slovak Air Force. 

The SIAF airshow programme showcase's all aircraft that fly with the Slovak Air Force and include's a wide variety of NATO military and civilian aircraft, of particular interest for 2018 was the Slovakian AF newest editions the C-27J "Spartan" and UH-60M "Blackhawk" which were on display in the static park and flew in the flypast. Rare additions to the static park were a pair of 111 Filo Turkish AF F-4E "Phantoms" with 77-0296 adorning "1958-2018 F-4 Phabolous Phantom 60 years of service" tail art, these were by far the stars of the show, but also a welcome addition was the F-4Es support aircraft a CN-235 which was parked on the flightline.

Mixed stormy weather over the weekend made photography challenging at times, but this did not stop the crowds attending on mass to enjoy the many modern military jets, transports, helicopters and aerobatic displays. In Europe this seems to be the show to attend, with plenty of hardware attending, always something rare on display, a lovely backdrop for take-offs and landing and excellent views along the flightline for display aircraft taxiing. If the weather is kind to you then this show has something special to offer the photographer.

Author/photography Mark Forest