Slovakia is to host the world’s most elite military parachutists for 48th WMC Parachuting - Lučenec (SVK), with 33 countries heading to Boľkovce Airfield

In a matter of just a few days, Slovakia will become the centre of the military parachuting world as the 48th International Military Sports Council (CISM) World Military Parachuting Championship (WMPC) takes place at Boľkovce Airfield near Lučenec from 14 to 23 August 2026. National military parachuting teams from 33 countries will arrive at this prestigious Championship, and along with their support and accompanying staff, Slovakia will welcome nearly 400 participants.

The Slovak Ministry of Defence has partnered with the Dukla Military Sports Centre Banská Bystrica as the main event organisers. After months of preparations, the organisation of the WMPC is entering its final phase, and Boľkovce Airfield is now ready to host the world’s top military skydivers with the highest level of performance across the competitive events of the sport.

Mr Gabriel Baran, Director of the Dukla Military Sports Centre Banská Bystrica, said: “For several days, Slovakia will be the host country for the world’s military sporting elite. This is not only a huge honour, but also an opportunity to demonstrate our ability to host an international event of this scale to a high standard. I am pleased that we are also opening the Championship to the public. People can attend for free, cheer our athletes on, and see with their own eyes the performances where only centimetres and fractions of seconds make all the difference.”

National military parachuting teams from Europe, America and Asia, including from the countries with a long-established tradition of the sport, will soon arrive at the venue in Boľkovce. Representing Slovakia at the Championship will be athletes of the Dukla Military Sports Centre, whose achievements have since long kept them among the international elite in the parachuting disciplines.

World Champion title to be decided by centimetres and fractions of seconds

There will be three traditional parachuting events to compete in: Accuracy Landing (A), Style (S), and 4-Way Formation Skydiving (F). These events represent the pinnacle of competitive parachuting.

In the Accuracy Landing event, after jumping from an altitude of approx. 1,000m, parachutists will compete to hit the Dead Centre Disc (DCD) with a diameter of 2cm, positioned in the middle of the electronic target landing pad.

The second event will be individual Style. After jumping from an altitude of approx. 2,200m, competitors must perform a prescribed series of acrobatic manoeuvres in free fall, in the shortest possible time and with maximum precision.

The third event is 4-Way Formation Skydiving, in which teams of four skydivers undertake a series of formations and blocks in free fall. The result is determined by the team’s speed, accuracy, teamwork and coordination.

During the Championship, competitors will make hundreds of jumps. Aircraft and technical arrangements for the WMPC will be provided by the Slovak Armed Forces.

Championship to open its doors to the public

The 48th CISM World Military Parachuting Championship at Boľkovce Airfield will not be an event for military athletes and delegations only, but it will also be open to members of the general public. Admission is free to all spectators, so come out and join us for a live viewing of jumps and formations!

The 82nd WMPC Opening Ceremony with a parade of the participating nations is scheduled to take place on Saturday 15 August 2026, with representatives of the Slovak Ministry of Defence, the Slovak Armed Forces, the Dukla Military Sports Centre, international military delegations, and local government authorities in attendance.

From close range, visitors will be able to watch competitive jumps, flight operations, and performances of the world’s best military parachutists. The competition programme will be running daily, depending on weather conditions.

The 82nd WMPC Closing Ceremony will see the awarding of all podium finishers, whilst celebrating the overall results of the World Military Parachuting Championship on Saturday 22 August 2026.

The Slovak Ministry of Defence and the Dukla Military Sports Centre are delighted to invite you to Boľkovce Airfield to cheer our military parachutists on and savour the atmosphere of the premier international skydiving competition, right at the heart of the Novohrad region.