21st Anniversary of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence

Along with the Air Force and Air Defence members, the academy was attended by many guests, including envoy of the President, Zlatko Gareljić, representative of the Defense Minister, Assistant Defence Minister Viktor Koprivnjak, representative of the Chief of General Staff, his Deputy Admiral Ante Urlić, Military Ordinary Monsignor Juraj Jezerinac, generals, admirals, former employees and commanders of the Air Force and Air Defence, representatives of the city authorities and associations from the Homeland War, and families of deceased members of the Air Force and Air Defence.

During the introductory part of the ceremony, a brief history of the Air Force and Air Defence was presented, from 12 December 1991 when the Air Force and Air Defence was organized as a single service of the Croatian Armed Forces, to the present day. A presentation of a short film, of the author Tomislav Haraminčić, about the Air Force and Air Defence followed.

During his speech, representative of the President Zlatko Gareljić stressed that the Air Force and Air Defence, an important service for the entire security system, was built in difficult circumstances of the creation of the Croatian state. In today’s economic situation, before the Armed Forces and Air Force and Air Force are two imperatives: the first is functional, which includes perseverance and development of capabilities in the defence and security sector in the interest of the Croatian citizens and our allies and partners. That is seen in the participation in training activities, peacekeeping missions and operations, and in activities to help the Croatian society and citizens. The second imperative is social, the defence system must be connected with the society, and its maintenance and development must comply with the needs and real possibilities of the country.

Assistant Minister of Defence and former commander of the Air Force and Air Defence Viktor Koprivnjak emphasized the role of Rudolf Perešin for the establishment of the Air Force and Air Defence, but also of all others who have made invaluable contributions to the development of this service of the Armed Forces. During all these years, the tasks of the Air Force and Air Defence have changed, but the importance was strengthened. Today, the service and its employees are an attractive partner in the NATO-led operations, especially in Afghanistan and Kosovo, Koprivnjak said, adding that nonmilitary tasks, which saved many lives and property, were extremely important. Koprivnjak commented the decision to overhaul the current fleet of combat aircraft, saying this was not the best, but in the current economic situation, the only possible solution, because it retains the capabilities, cadre and infrastructure.

Admiral Urlić recalled that the first Air Force units were guided by courage, determination and love for the Homeland, and later the service reached remarkable combat capabilities, which came to the fore most in liberation operations such as Operation Storm. After the war, the service continued to evolve and today is one of the backbones of the CAF military capabilities. Furthermore, medical flights and fire-fighting clearly show that the Air Force and Air Defence successfully coordinate military capabilities with the needs of the civilian community. As for the peacekeeping mission, Admiral concluded that the level of participation of the Air Force and Air Defence in them “make us all proud.”

Speaking of the Homeland War, the Commander of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence, Brigadier General Drazen Šćuri said that in the beginning years this service almost did not have any equipment. However, “from humble beginnings we have built the air force, which had a key role in the liberation of our Homeland”. Today, new generations that come have our trust, Šćuri said, and thanks to them, and the combination of youth and experience, our Air Force has a bright future. At the end of his address, Šćuri welcomed the decision which enabled the Air Force and Air Defence to maintain the capabilities for monitoring of Croatian airspace.

Afterwards, the most prominent members of the Air Force and Air Defence were handed over awards and praise, and the decision to rename the “Pleso” Barracks was announced. Henceforth it will be called the “Lieutenant Colonel Marko Živković” Barracks according to the Croatian pilot who died heroically during the execution of combat mission in the Homeland War on 2 December 1991 in Eastern Slavonia.

The program was completed with performance of the “Saint George” Navy Band, and in the foyer there was exhibition of publishing and multimedia projects of the Air Force and Air Defence, aerospace equipment, and models and photos related to the Croatian Air Force and Air Defense.

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