GRAS 40th Anniversary Spottersday
9th September, 2026, Gilze-Rijen Air Base, The Netherlands
This was a truly amazing event. You of course never know what turns up at a spotters day, just like you never knew back in the day, riding your bike to an air base near you. But GRAS didn't disappoint. The whole day made me feel as if I'd been transported back to the late '80s, early '90s. A great variety of planes kept surprising the spotters and photographers in attendance.
The Germans stole the show, turning up with helicopters, VIP passenger jets, a colourful Eurofighter and a Tornado. The French showed off their new trainers, along with some nice Mirages, VIP transports and a tanker. The US brought two Vipers and a VIP transport. The Italians showed off a colourful trainer duo. The locals kept their Apaches hidden, but the Chinooks made up for it with some sporty passes. Two F-35s from nearby Volkel Air Base put in some nice passes as well. And it was good to see the good old NATO E-3A making a few touch-and-goes.
Like I said, it was just like a base visit back in the late '80s or early '90s.