Anušić on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Croatian Air Force: A modern and equipped Croatian Air Force rests on the shoulders of brave and courageous pilots

On 12 December 2024, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić congratuted the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force:

“The modern Croatian Air Force rests on the shoulders of giants, brave and courageous pilots who used their improvisation skills during the Homeland War to achieve the impossible – they used agricultural aircraft to deliver assistance to the defenders of Vukovar. They brought hope and light in the most difficult moments of the bloodiest battle of Vukovar. That is why, thirty-three years later, we must remember those brave founders of the Osijek Independent Aviation Platoon.

We must also remember the legendary Rudolf Perešin and his heroic deed – flying a MiG-21 to the right side of history, but also all the heroic pilots who protected Croatia in the most difficult moments.

Today the Croatian Air Force is a modern and well-equipped service of the Croatian Armed Forces. Our pilots fly the most modern combat aircraft. The procurement of the Rafale combat aircraft is the largest investment in the Croatian Armed Forces, and there will be more historic investments in equipping and modernization of our Armed Forces.

Apart from the Rafales, our Air Force with be equipped with the Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicle systems, which will enter into operational use by the end of September 2025. It will also be equipped with an additional eight Black Hawk helicopters, in addition to the existing four, which will be delivered to Croatia in 2028.

By the end of April next year, all twelve Rafale aircraft will be delivered to Croatia.

I congratulate you on your day! I wish you to continue to fly the heavenly heights and protect our country!”