Croatian Air Force celebrates 33rd anniversary
Paying tribute to fallen heroes and expressing gratitude to current Air Force members: Chief of the CAF General Staff General Kundid emphasized the invaluable long-standing role of the Croatian Air Force in protecting Croatia’s airspace and providing support to the civilian community
On 12 December 2024, a ceremony was held at the Lučko Barracks in Zagreb to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Croatian Air Force. On this occasion, distinguished members of the Croatian Air Force were presented with promotions, awards and commendations.
Congratulating Croatian Air Force members on their 33rd anniversary, State Secretary Drago Matanović as an envoy of the Defence Minister emphasized that the Croatian Air Force was established under complex historical circumstances when the survival of the state was in jeopardy, recalling all those Croatian airmen who had fallen on the path to victory.
“We still remember the overflights of the first MiGs into the Croatian ranks. This strengthened faith in our victory, gave hope to the Croatian people, and sent a message to the world that Croatia is here and will win. Even when the Homeland War ended, you have continued to build the Croatian Air Force as a demanding and prestigious service of the Croatian Armed Forces, and despite limited material resources in the years following the Homeland War, you have managed to maintain itself, strengthen and build the most demanding capabilities, such as training Air Force pilots and technicians, and maintaining the combat component,” Matanović said.
He also reminded of all the projects related to the Croatian Air Force that have been implemented or are still in progress: “These projects are just another segment of the systematic modernization and equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces. This is the largest investment since the Homeland War, and with this modernization, the CAF is progressing towards fulfilling one of our goals, which is the transition to Western technology,” the State Secretary concluded.
Paying tribute to fallen heroes and expressing gratitude to current Air Force members
Chief of the CAF General Staff Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid emphasized that such anniversaries are an opportunity to honour the Croatian Air Force members who sacrificed their lives during the Homeland War and left an indelible mark on the Croatian Air Force. They are also an opportunity to express gratitude to all current Air Force members for their everyday work, results and achievements. “For decades, we have witnessed your dedication to protect Croatia’s airspace, and the support you provide to the civilian community through helicopter transportation and activities conducted by the firefighting squadron. All your squadrons form a force that is unique, recognizable and highly appreciated,” Kundid said, adding that the values that the Croatian Air Force provides to civil society are of particular importance to the Croatian Armed Forces.
Major General Križanec expresses gratitude to the brave airmen
Croatian Air Force Commander Major General Michael Križanec congratulated all airmen on their 33rd anniversary, emphasizing that we should also remember all our predecessors who invested themselves, their youth, health and lives in the establishment of the Croatian Air Force and our country’s the freedom. He added that this year was very demanding and difficult for the Croatian Air Force but nevertheless successful. “When looking back at the end of the year, you realize with satisfaction that we have fulfilled our plans and carried out all the complex tasks, and have embarked on a long and demanding journey to build a modern Croatian Air Force that will preserve our country’s safety in the decades ahead,” the Air Force Commander said, emphasizing that they must not be arrogant, but rather humble and grateful for the opportunity they received from their predecessors, warriors and creators of the Croatian Air Force, all Homeland War veterans, superior commanders who entrusted them with enormous resources to manage, and from the Croatian people whom they must always be ready to defend.
The ceremony was attended by Croatian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović, State Secretary Drago Matanović as an envoy of the Defence Minister, Chief of the CAF General Staff Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, Croatian Air Force Commander Major General Michael Križanec, Director of the CAF General Staff Major General Krešo Tuškan, CAF service commanders and deputy commanders, directorate heads, retired Air Force commanders, secondary aviation schools principals, and other attendees.
Paying tribute to fallen Croatian Air Force members
On the occasion of celebrating the Croatian Air Force Day and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force Command, a delegation led by Croatian Air Force Commander Major General Michael Križanec laid wreaths and lit candles at the graves of the first Croatian Air Force Commander, General Imra Agotić, former Croatian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Josip Čuletić, and pilots Rudolf Perešin, Marko Živković, Mirko Vukušić, and Antun Radoš at the Mirogoj Cemetery.
