SFR Yugoslav Air Force
Encyclopedia
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Yugoslav Air Force (Serbo-Croatian
: Jugoslovensko Ratno vazduhoplovstvo), was the air force of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(SFR Yugoslavia). Formed in 1945, it was preceded by the Yugoslav Royal Air Force
which was disbanded in 1941, following the German occupation of Yugoslavia. At its height, it was one of the largest air forces in Europe. The SFR Yugoslav Air Force was disbanded following the Yugoslav civil wars of 1991-1995.
By early 1945, Yugoslav Partisans under Marshal Tito
had liberated a large portion of Yugoslav territory from the occupying forces. The NOVJ partisan army included air units trained and equipped by Britain (with Supermarine Spitfire
s and Hawker Hurricane
s, see Balkan Air Force
) and the Soviet Union (with Yak-3
, Yak-7
, Yak-9
and Ilyushin Il-2
aircraft) and a number of ad-hoc units equipped with aircraft captured from German Luftwaffe
and Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia
(Messerschmitt Bf-109G
, Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
and many others).
On 5 January 1945 the various air units of the NOVJ were formally incorporated into a new Yugoslav Air Force (Jugoslovensko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo - JRV). At the same time, a Yugoslav fighter group which had been under Soviet instruction at Zemun
airfield became operational. From 17 August 1944, when the first Yugoslav Spitfire
Squadron
became operational, until the end of the war in Europe, Yugoslav aircraft undertook 3,500 combat sorties and accumulated 5,500 hours operational flying. Thus, when peacetime came, the JRV already possessed a strong and experienced nucleus of personnel.
On 12 September 1945 the Military Aviation Academy in Belgrade
was established to train future pilots. The development of the JRV was further helped in late 1945 with the creation of the Aeronautical Union of Yugoslavia (Vazduhoplovnni Savez Jugoslavije - VSJ). This comprised six aeronautical unions - one for each constituent republic - with the joint aim of promoting sport flying and aeronautical techniques amongst the nation's young people. In June 1947 the first VSJ flying school at Borongaj (near Zagreb
) started training pupils.
The organization of the post-war JRV was based on the Russian pattern of Divisions
, Regiments and Squadrons
. Virtually all of the initial equipment was supplied by the Soviet Union - the aircraft captured during the war had quickly been retired. By the end of 1947 the JRV had reached a strength of some 40 squadrons of aircraft, and had become the most powerful air arm in the Balkans. In June 1948 Yugoslavia broke off relations with the Stalinist Soviet Union. The country was immediately subjected to extreme political pressure from the Soviet Union and its Balkan neighbors, and the JRV's previous sources of aircraft, spares and fuel were cut-off. The possibility of an invasion was taken seriously. The serviceability of JRV aircraft fell rapidly, with some aircraft being cannibalised to provide spares for the remainder. Renewed efforts to expand the small domestic aircraft industry met with some success - the Ikarus Aero 2
and Ikarus 213 Vihor trainers were followed into service by the Ikarus S-49 single-seat fighter and first Yugoslav-maiden jet aircraft
Ikarus 451M
.
However, the first-line strength of the JRV was still declining, so in 1951 the Yugoslav Chief of Staff, Colonel General Koča Popović
visited the United Kingdom to discuss the situation. It was agreed that a substantial shipment of aircraft would be forthcoming. In October 1951 the first de Havilland Mosquito
F.B.6 fighter-bombers were supplied. The following year, 150 Republic F-47D Thunderbolt
fighter-bombers were delivered from the USA under a Mutual Assistance Pact.
The first jet aircraft to be operated by the JRV, four Lockheed T-33A
jet trainers, arrived on 10 March 1953 and were soon followed by the first of 229 Republic F-84G Thunderjet
fighter-bombers. Serials for the Thunderjets were from 10501 - 10729. The first eight Thunderjets, all former 48 TFW aircraft, arrived at Batajnica on June 9, 1953. At the same time, a number of Yugoslav pilots underwent jet flying training in Germany. These deliveries substantially improved the combat effectiveness of the JRV. Ten Westland Dragonfly
helicopters were obtained in 1954, and in 1956, after numerous delays due to political considerations, 121 F-86E/Canadair CL-13 F.4 Sabres interceptors were delivered.
In 1959 the JRV was merged with the air defence units operated by the Army and became known as the Air Force and Air Defence (Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo i Protivvazdushna Odbrana - JRViPVO). Relations with the Soviet Union had drastically improved after Nikita Khrushchev
became Soviet leader, and in September 1962 this led to the first MiG-21F-13 interceptors being delivered. Lack of possible aircraft for replacement of US-made fighter-bomber jets and trainers induced Yugoslav domestic aircraft industry (Soko
, Utva) to make new jet trainers and fighter-bombers. After a number of prototypes, Yugoslav aircraft industry made Soko G-2 Galeb light-attack trainer jet, which partly replaced a number of Lockheed T-33 aircraft, and Galeb's single-seat version, Soko J-21 Jastreb
light attack aircraft. The Galeb was big successes, and it was better than Aero L-29 Delfín
which was the main trainer aircraft in the Warsaw Pact
and a number of another air forces. Thus, the Galeb was exported only to Libya
. The JRViPVO also purchased a number of domestic UTVA-66 utility aircraft. Twenty-five Mi-4
medium transport helicopters were also obtained for helicopter units from USSR. At the end of 60's JRViPVO purchased a number of Soviet MiG-21's in MiG-21PFM fighter, MiG-21R reconnaissance and MiG-21U and US trainer versions, fifteen Polish Mi-2
light helicopters, twenty five Zlin Z.526M Trainer Masters
for Aviation Military Academy at Zemunik airport and the delivery of Mi-8
T medium transport helicopters had started.
light attack/trainer jet commenced. The biggest project, Soko J-22 Orao
attack aircraft made in cooperation with Romanian IAR
, also started. 21 French-built Aérospatiale Gazelle
were bought, and after that the Soko factory in Mostar started serial production of the license-built Soko SA.341H which was later built in many other versions. Mi-8T helicopters replaced old Mi-4, Dragonfly, Whirlwind and Mi-2 helicopters. Fighter aviation was also modernized with new MiG-21 versions, MiG-21M, MiG-21MF and MiG-21UM. Transport capability grew with the acquisition of seventeen An-26's.
The focus in the 1980s was a partial replacement of J-21 and G-2 aircraft with younger Orao and Super Galebs. The air force purchased the latest version of MiG-21, MiG-21bis, which was the last MiG-21 model. All 103 Mi-8T transport helicopters were delivered and the Soko factory had produced about 140 license-built Gazelles in various variants. JRV created its display team, Leteće Zvezde
(Flying Stars) with seven Soko J-21 Jastreb
aircraft which were later replaced with seven Super Galebs. In 1987, the first squadron of new modern MiG-29 fighters was purchased from USSR, making Yugoslavia the first purchaser of it. They were a temporary solution until planned production of new Novi Avion
multirole aircraft.
In 1986 the JRViPVO underwent a limited reorganization which saw its operational units grouped into three regional Corps instead of the five Corps used previously. The primary air force missions were to contest enemy efforts to establish air superiority over Yugoslavia
and to support the defensive operations of the ground forces and navy. The main organization were the three corps of Air Force and Air Defence; 1st Corps of AF and AD, 2nd Corps of AF and AD and 3rd Corps of AF and AD.
The main component of JRV was the fighter aviation. Most fighter aircraft were Soviet-made MiG-21 aircraft of different versions MiG-21M, MiG-21MF and MiG-21PFM from the 1970s and MiG-21Bis from the early 1980s. In 1986, JRV had purchased from USSR one squadron of MiG-29 fighter aircraft. In that period MiG-29 was one of the most advanced fighters, and Yugoslavia
has become one of the first countries which bought MiG-29. Each Corps of AF and AD had one Fighter Aviation Regiment (Lovački Aviacijski Puk - LAP). The First Corps of AF and AD had the 204th Fighter Aviation Regiment. The role of this regiment was the guarding of the First Corps of AF and AD aerospace from possible aggression, especially protecting the Yugoslav capital, Belgrade, and then support of Yugoslav Peoples Army ground forces. The 204.LAP composed two fighter squadrons, 126.LAE equipped with MiG-21 Bis aircraft and 127.LAP equipped with new MiG-29's. The base of the 204th Fighter Aviation Regiment was Batajnica Airbase
near Belgrade. The Third Corps of AF and AD had the 83rd Fighter Aviation Regiment (83.LAP) based at Slatina Air Base
near Priština
. 83rd units were equipped with MiG-21 aircraft, 123rd with older MiG-21M and MF and the 130th with MiG-21Bis. The Fifth Corps of AF and AD had the 117th Fighter Aviation Regiment at Željava Air Base
. Željava was one of the best airbases in Europe, with underground runway, hangars, facilities for technical support, most advanced radars and communication equipment, sources of electricity, drinking water, fresh air, food, equipment, arms and fuel for staying 30 days without any connections with outside world. Units at Željava were 124th and 125th equipped with MiG-21 Bis fighter aircraft and 352nd equipped with MiG-21R reconnaissance-fighter aircraft.
light-attack trainer were replacing older J-21 Jastreb light-attack and G-2 Galeb light-attack trainer aircraft. The First Corps of AF and AD had two fighter-bomber squadrons and one reconnaissance squadron equipped with ground attack reconnaissance aircraft. 252nd from Batajnica Airbase
was under direct command of its Corps of AF and AD (unlike other squadrons which were under the command of their Regiments/Brigades). It was equipped with older J-21 Jastreb light attack aircraft and G-2 Galeb trainer/attack aircraft, Utva-66 utility aircraft and new G-4 Super Galebs. Under command of the 97th Aviation Brigade (which was in 1st Corps of AF and AD) there was one fighter-bomber squadron, 240th, equipped with Jastrebs and one reconnaissance squadron, 353.IAE, equipped with IJ-22 Orao reconnaissance-attack aircraft. The Third Corps of AF and AD had two major fighter-bomber aviation units, 98th Aviation Brigade and 127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment. 98th Aviation Brigade from Skopski Petrovac in Macedonia had three squadrons, two fighter-bomber squadron and one reconnaissance squadron. Fighter-bomber squadrons were 241st equipped with J-22 Orao attack aircraft, 247th with Jastrebs and 354th IAE was equipped with IJ-21 Jastreb reconnaissance aircraft. 127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Golubovci Airbase comprised two fighter-bomber squadrons, 239th equipped with G-4 Super Galebs and 242nd equipped with Jastrebs and J-22 Orao aircraft. The Fifth Corps of AF and AD had most fighter-bomber aviation units, one Aviation Brigade and two Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiments. 82nd Aviation Brigade, at Cerklje Airbase, Slovenia, had two fighter-bomber squadrons and one reconnaissance squadron. Two fighter-bomber squadrons were 237.LBAE equipped with J-21 and NJ-21 Jastrebs, and 238th equipped with J-22 and NJ-22 Orao aircraft. Reconnaissance squadron was 351st equipped with IJ-21 Jastreb and IJ-22 Orao reconnaissance-attack aircraft. 105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Zemunik-Zadar Airbase comprised two fighter-bomber aviation squadrons, 249th equipped with Super Galebs
, 251st with Galebs and one aviation squadron, 333rd equipped with Utva 75 training aircraft, An-2 transport aircraft, Gazelle helicopters and Super Galebs. 185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Pula Airport
has compos of one fighter-bomber squadron, 229th equipped with G-4 Super Galebs and one fighter squadron, 129th equipped with MiG-21 aircraft in versions MiG-21PFM, MiG-21US and MiG-21UM.
The Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito" used the 105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment from Zadar, 107th Helicopter Regiment from Mostar, 127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment from Golubovci Airbase and 185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment from Pula for training of its cadets. Cadets first learned how to fly on utility aircraft like the Utva 75. The main base was in Zadar, in 105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment, where young pilots made their first flights on Utva 75 aircraft. After they learned basics about flying in 333rd, they learned how to fly on jet aircraft in 251st on G-2 Galeb jet-trainers. When cadets mastered flying on Galeb jet trainers, they developed their flying on jet aircraft in 249th on Super Galeb
trainers. After learning how to fly on jet aircraft, cadets continued their pilot education in other units dependent upon whether they became helicopter, fighter or fighter-bomber pilots. Cadets to become helicopter pilots, continued their education in the 107th Helicopter Regiment at Mostar, flying on Gazelle helicopters in 782nd and 783rd or on Mi-8
helicopters in 782nd. Fighter-bomber pilot cadets continued their education in 127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Golubovci flying first on Super Galebs in 239th and later on J-21 Jastreb and J-22 Orao attack aircraft in 242nd Fighter pilot cadets continued their education in 185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Pula where they first fly on Super Galebs in 229th and later in 129th on MiG-21PFM and MiG-21UM/US they made they first super sonic flights. After finishing studies, cadets of Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito" become pilots and joined their service units.
. The 138th was a separate unit under direct command of JRViPVO HQ. It consisted of three squadrons, two VIP transport aviation squadrons and one transport helicopter squadron. Transport aviation squadrons were 675th equipped with Yak-40, Falcon 50 and 678th equipped with YAK-40 VIP aircraft and Mi-8 helicopters in VIP transport version. There were also few transport aviation units from non-Transport Brigades/Regiments. In 119th Aviation Brigade aviation brigade at Niš there was 677th equipped with An-26 and An-2 aircraft which were used for training of the 63rd Paratroop Brigade. At Pleso, in 111th Aviation Brigade was 676th was also equipped with An-26 and An-2 transport aircraft. There was also one aviation squadron, 333.AE from 105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Zadar which was equipped with one An-2 aircraft used for parachute training of cadets of Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito".
Helicopter units of JRV were equipped with about 200 home-made Gazelle helicopters in utility, attack, rescue and scout versions, 100 Soviet-made Mil Mi-8T Hip-C
cargo helicopters and 12 Soviet anti-submarine helicopters. Each Corps of AF and AD had a Special helicopter squad (Specijalno Helikoptersko Odeljenje - SHO) equipped with four Mi-8 helicopters unless Special helicopter squad of First Corps of AF and AD, which was equipped with two Aérospatiale Alouette III
light utility helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters. In the 138th Transport Aviation Brigade which was separate unit under direct command of JRViPVO HQ there was one transport helicopter squadron, 890.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 and Gazelle helicopters. The First Corps of AF and AD had the 107th Helicopter Regiment from Mostar (BiH), which consisted of two squadrons, 782.HE equipped with Gazelle helicopters in SA.341 and SA.342 Gama versions and Mi-8, and 783.HE equipped with Gazelle helicopters. Squadrons of the 107th Helicopter Regiment were used by Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito". Also there were three helicopter squadrons of the 97th Aviation Brigade at Divulje; 676.PPAE equipped with Gazelle helicopters and CL-215 firefighting aircraft, 784.PPHE equipped with 12 Mi-14
, Ka-25 and Ka-28 anti-sub helicopters and 790.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 cargo helicopters. In the Third Corps of AF and AD there were three helicopter squadrons in 119. Aviation Brigade; 712.POHE equipped with Gazelle Gama attack helicopters, 714.POHE also equipped with Gazelle Gama helicopters and 787.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 transport helicopters. In Fifth Corps of AF and AD there were also three helicopter squadrons; 711.POHE equipped with Gazelle Gama, 713.POHE also equipped with Gazelle Gama attack helicopters and 780.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 cargo helicopters. There was also one mixed-aviation squadron, 333.AE from 105.LBAP which had few Gazelle helicopters used for training by Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito". The Army command regions also had their helicopter squadrons equipped with Gazelle Hera scout helicopters. EIV of 1st Army region was at Batajnica Airbase
, EIV of 2nd Army region was at Skopski Petrovac, EIV of 3rd Army region at Pleso and EIV of Navy region was at Divulje.
Meanwhile, armed conflict had broken out between Croatian and Serbian forces in Croatia. The JRV flew several low passes in a show of force against Croatia and launched a number strikes. In August 1991 Serbian dominated federal government began a open war campaign against the Croats. The JRV was active providing transport and close air support missions to ground forces, but was gradually forced to abandon air bases outside of ethnic Serbian held areas. The hostilities were ended by a truce on 3 January 1992. The JRV equipment in Bosnia and Herzegovina was given to the new Republika Srpska Air Force
and used during War in Bosnia. The bulk of the SFRY air force was inherited by the FR Yugoslavia Air Force.
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Squadron
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Aircraft type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Base
|-
|138th Transport Aviation Brigade||675th TRAE
678th TRAE
890th TRHE||Yak-40, Falcon 50, Learjet 25, Do-28D
Yak-40, Mi-8
Mi-8, SA.341,SA.342||Batajnica
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|1st Corps of AF and AD
|-
| ||SHO||SA.316, Mi-8||Batajnica
|-
|97th Aviation Brigade||240th LBAE
353rd IAE
676th PPAE
748th PPHE
790th TRHE||J-21 Jastreb
IJ-22 Orao
CL-215, SA.341
Ka-25, Ka-28, Mi-14
Mi-8||Divulje-Split
|-
|107th Helicopter Wing||782nd HE
783rd HE||SA.341, Sa.342, Mi-8
SA.341, SA.342||Mostar
|-
|204th Fighter Aviation Wing||126th LAE
127th LAE||MiG-21 Bis
MiG-29, MiG-29UB||Batajnica
|-
| ||252nd LBAE||J-21 Jastreb, G-2 Galeb,
G-4 Super Galeb, Utva 66||Batajnica
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|3rd Corps of AF and AD
|-
| ||SHO||Mi-8||Niš
|-
|83rd Fighter Aviation Wing||123rd LAE
130th LAE||MiG-21 Bis
MiG-21M, MiG-21MF||Slatina
|-
|98th Aviation Brigade||241st LBAE
247th LBAE
354th IAE||J-22 Orao
J-21 Jastreb
IJ-21 Jastreb||Skopski Petrovac
|-
|119th Aviation Brigade||677th TRAE
712th POHE
714th POHE
787th TRHE||An-2, An-26
SA.342
SA.342
Mi-8||Niš
|-
|172nd Fighter-Bomber Aviation Wing||239th LBAE
242nd LBAE||G-4 Super Galeb
J-21 Jastreb, J-22 Orao||Golubovci
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|5th Corps of AF and AD
|-
| ||SHO||Mi-8||Pleso
|-
|82nd Aviation Brigade||237th LBAE
238th LBAE
351st IAE||J-21 Jastreb, NJ-21 Jastreb
J-22 Orao, NJ-22 Orao
IJ-21 Jastreb, IJ-22 Orao||Cerklje
|-
|105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Wing||249th LBAE
251st LBAE
333rd AE||G-4 Super Galeb
G-2 Galeb
Utva 75, An-2, SA.341, G-4 Super Galeb||Zadar
|-
|111th Aviation Brigade||676th TRAE
711th POHE
713th POHE
780th TRHE||An-2, An-26
SA.342
SA.342
Mi-8||Pleso
|-
|117th Fighter Aviation Wing||124th LAE
125th LAE
352nd IAE||MiG-21 Bis
MiG-21 Bis
MiG-21R||Željava
|-
|185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Wing||129th LAE
229th LBAE||MiG-21PFM, MiG-21UM/US
G-4 Super Galeb||Pula
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|Squadrons of Army command regions
|-
| ||EIV of 1st Army region
EIV of 2nd Army region
EIV of 3rd Army region
EIV of Navy region||SA.341 Hera
SA.341 Hera
SA.341 Hera
SA.341 Hera||Batajnica
Skopski Petrovac
Pleso
Divulje-Split
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|Squadrons of Republics territorial defence (TO) staffs
|-
| ||ELABA RSTO Slovenije
ELABA RSTO Crne Gore||J-20 Kragulj
J-20 Kragulj||Brnik
Golubovci
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|Yugoslav Military Air Force Academy
|-
|105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Training Wing
107th Helicopter Training Wing
127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Training Wing
185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Training Wing||(see above)||(see above)||Zadar
Mostar
Golubovci
Pula
|}
The main designation consisted of a prefix letter signifying the principal role of the aircraft, and a two-digit individual type number, e.g.: J-22. The role prefixes are:
In addition, various role modification prefix and suffix letters are used, to indicate trainer, reconnaissance etc. variants of the basic design. The role modification letters are:
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Generic
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Fighters
|-
|L-10*|| ||Republic F-84G
|-
|L-11*|| ||Canadair Sabre
|-
|L-12|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F-13
|-
| ||NL-12||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21U-400/600
|-
|L-13*|| ||North American F-86D Sabre
|-
|L-14|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
PFM
|-
| ||L-14I||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21R
|-
| ||NL-14||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21US
|-
|L-15|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
M
|-
| ||L-15M||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF
|-
|L-16||NL-16||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
UM
|-
|L-17|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
bis
|-
| ||L-17K||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis-K
|-
|L-18|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
|-
| ||NL-18||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Attack
|-
|J-20|| ||Soko J-20 Kraguj
|-
|J-21|| ||J-1 Jastreb
|-
| ||IJ-21||Soko RJ-1 Jastreb
|-
| ||NJ-21||Soko TJ-1 Jastreb
|-
|J-22|| ||J-22 Orao
|-
| ||IJ-22 ||Soko RJ-2 Orao
|-
| ||NJ-22 ||Soko TJ-2 Orao
|-
| ||INJ-22 ||Soko RTJ-2 Orao
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Helicopter
|-
|H-40|| ||Mil Mi-8
|-
| ||HT-40||Mil Mi-8T
|-
| ||HT-40E||Mil Mi-8 E i PED
|-
|H-41|| ||Mil/PZL Swidnik Mi-2
|-
| ||HT-41||Mil/PZL Swidnik Mi-2
|-
|H-42|| ||Aerospatiale/Soko SA.341H Gazelle
|-
| ||HI-42||Soko SA.341H HERA
|-
| ||HN-42M||Soko SA.341H GAMA
|-
| ||HO-42||Aerospatiale/Soko SA.341H Gazelle
|-
| ||HS-42||Soko SA341H
|-
|H-43|| ||Kamov Ka-25
|-
| ||HP-43||Kamov Ka-25Bsh
|-
|H-44|| ||Mil Mi-14
|-
| ||HP-44||Mil Mi-14PL
|-
|H-45|| ||Soko SA.342L1 Gazelle
|-
| ||HN-45M||Soko SA.342L1 GAMA 2
|-
| ||HO-45||Soko SA.342L1
|-
|H-46||||Kamov Ka-28
|-
| ||HP-46||Kamov Ka-28
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Utility
|-
|V-50|| ||Utva-60H
|-
|V-51|| ||Utva-66
|-
|V-52|| ||Utva-66H
|-
|V-53|| ||Utva-75
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Training
|-
|N-60|| ||Soko G-2 Galeb
|-
|N-61|| ||Zlin Z-526
|-
|N-62|| ||Soko G-4 Super Galeb
|-
|N-63|| ||Utva Lasta
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Transport
|-
|T-70|| ||Antonov An-26
|-
|T-71|| ||Antonov An-2
|}
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Versions
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Number
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Fighter aircraft
|-
| MiG-21
|| || fighter
trainer
reconnaissance || MiG-21Bis/PMF/M/MF
MiG-21UM/US
MiG-21R/M/MF|| ~ 120
28
15
|-
| MiG-29
|| || fighter
trainer || MiG-29B
MiG-29UB || 14
2
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Ground attack aircraft
|-
| Soko J-20 Kraguj
|| || counterinsurgency || J-20 || 40
|-
| Soko J-21 Jastreb
|| || attack
trainer
reconnaissance || J-21
NJ-21
IJ-21 || 108
17
36
|-
| Soko J-22 Orao
|| || attack
trainer
reconnaissance||J-22
NJ-22
IJ-22
INJ-22||57
21
25
9
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Transport
and liaison aircraft
|-
| Antonov An-2
|| || cargo aircraft || An-2TD || 8
|-
| Antonov An-12
|| || cargo aircraft || An-12 || 2
|-
| Antonov An-26
|| || cargo aircraft || An-26 || 14
|-
| Yakovlev Yak-40
|| || VIP aircraft || Yak-40 || 6
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Firefighting aircraft
|-
| Canadair CL-215
|| || firefighting || CL-215 || 4
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Trainer aircraft
|-
| Soko G-2 Galeb || || fighter-bomber/trainer || N-60 || 131
|-
| Utva 75 || || basic trainer || V-53 || 138
|-
| Soko G-4 Super Galeb || || fighter-bomber/trainer || N-62 || 77
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Helicopter
s
|-
| Soko Gazelle
|| / || utility
rescue
reconnaissance
attack|| HO-42
HS-42
HI-42
HN-42|| 94
|-
| Mil Mi-8
|| || transport || Mi-8T || 93
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | ASW helicopters
|-
| Mil Mi-14
|| || antisubmarine || Mi-14PL || 4
|-
| Kamov Ka-27
|| || antisubmarine || Ka-27 || 2
|-
| Kamov Ka-25
|| || antisubmarine || Ka-25BSsh || 6
|}
Serbo-Croatian language
Serbo-Croatian or Serbo-Croat, less commonly Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian , is a South Slavic language with multiple standards and the primary language of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro...
: Jugoslovensko Ratno vazduhoplovstvo), was the air force of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,...
(SFR Yugoslavia). Formed in 1945, it was preceded by the Yugoslav Royal Air Force
Yugoslav Royal Air Force
The Yugoslav Royal Air Force was formed in 1918 in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and existed until Yugoslavia's surrender to the Axis powers in 1941 following the Invasion of Yugoslavia during World War II....
which was disbanded in 1941, following the German occupation of Yugoslavia. At its height, it was one of the largest air forces in Europe. The SFR Yugoslav Air Force was disbanded following the Yugoslav civil wars of 1991-1995.
World War II, Soviet influence
Josip Broz Tito
Marshal Josip Broz Tito – 4 May 1980) was a Yugoslav revolutionary and statesman. While his presidency has been criticized as authoritarian, Tito was a popular public figure both in Yugoslavia and abroad, viewed as a unifying symbol for the nations of the Yugoslav federation...
had liberated a large portion of Yugoslav territory from the occupying forces. The NOVJ partisan army included air units trained and equipped by Britain (with Supermarine Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries throughout the Second World War. The Spitfire continued to be used as a front line fighter and in secondary roles into the 1950s...
s and Hawker Hurricane
Hawker Hurricane
The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd for the Royal Air Force...
s, see Balkan Air Force
Balkan Air Force
The Balkan Air Force was a late-World War II Allied air formation.-History:The formation was based at Bari in Italy, and activated on 7 June 1944 from AHQ 'G' Force to simplify command arrangements for the air support of Special Operations Executive-operations in the Balkans, i.e. across the...
) and the Soviet Union (with Yak-3
Yakovlev Yak-3
The Yakovlev Yak-3 was a World War II Soviet fighter aircraft.Robust and easy to maintain, it was much liked by pilots and ground crew alike....
, Yak-7
Yakovlev Yak-7
The Soviet Yakovlev Yak-7 was developed from the earlier Yak-1 fighter, initially as a trainer but converted into a "heavy" fighter. As both a fighter and later reverting to its original training role, the Yak-7 proved to be a capable aircraft and was well liked by air crews. The Yak-7 was simpler,...
, Yak-9
Yakovlev Yak-9
The Yakovlev Yak-9 was a single-engine fighter aircraft used by the Soviet Union in World War II and after. Fundamentally a lighter development of the Yak-7 with the same armament, it arrived at the front at the end of 1942. The Yak-9 had a lowered rear fuselage decking and all-around vision canopy...
and Ilyushin Il-2
Ilyushin Il-2
The Ilyushin Il-2 was a ground-attack aircraft in the Second World War, produced by the Soviet Union in very large numbers...
aircraft) and a number of ad-hoc units equipped with aircraft captured from German Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe
Luftwaffe is a generic German term for an air force. It is also the official name for two of the four historic German air forces, the Wehrmacht air arm founded in 1935 and disbanded in 1946; and the current Bundeswehr air arm founded in 1956....
and Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia
Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia
The Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia, the Zrakoplovstvo Nezavisne Države Hrvatske was the national air force of the Independent State of Croatia during World War II, founded under German authority in April 1941...
(Messerschmitt Bf-109G
Messerschmitt Bf 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109, often called Me 109, was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid 1930s...
, Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
Junkers Ju 87
The Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka was a two-man German ground-attack aircraft...
and many others).
On 5 January 1945 the various air units of the NOVJ were formally incorporated into a new Yugoslav Air Force (Jugoslovensko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo - JRV). At the same time, a Yugoslav fighter group which had been under Soviet instruction at Zemun
Zemun
Zemun is a historical town and one of the 17 municipalities which constitute the City of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia...
airfield became operational. From 17 August 1944, when the first Yugoslav Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries throughout the Second World War. The Spitfire continued to be used as a front line fighter and in secondary roles into the 1950s...
Squadron
Squadron (aviation)
A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force...
became operational, until the end of the war in Europe, Yugoslav aircraft undertook 3,500 combat sorties and accumulated 5,500 hours operational flying. Thus, when peacetime came, the JRV already possessed a strong and experienced nucleus of personnel.
On 12 September 1945 the Military Aviation Academy in Belgrade
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
was established to train future pilots. The development of the JRV was further helped in late 1945 with the creation of the Aeronautical Union of Yugoslavia (Vazduhoplovnni Savez Jugoslavije - VSJ). This comprised six aeronautical unions - one for each constituent republic - with the joint aim of promoting sport flying and aeronautical techniques amongst the nation's young people. In June 1947 the first VSJ flying school at Borongaj (near Zagreb
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
) started training pupils.
Break up relations with Soviets, US help
Division (military)
A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers. In most armies, a division is composed of several regiments or brigades, and in turn several divisions typically make up a corps...
, Regiments and Squadrons
Squadron (aviation)
A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force...
. Virtually all of the initial equipment was supplied by the Soviet Union - the aircraft captured during the war had quickly been retired. By the end of 1947 the JRV had reached a strength of some 40 squadrons of aircraft, and had become the most powerful air arm in the Balkans. In June 1948 Yugoslavia broke off relations with the Stalinist Soviet Union. The country was immediately subjected to extreme political pressure from the Soviet Union and its Balkan neighbors, and the JRV's previous sources of aircraft, spares and fuel were cut-off. The possibility of an invasion was taken seriously. The serviceability of JRV aircraft fell rapidly, with some aircraft being cannibalised to provide spares for the remainder. Renewed efforts to expand the small domestic aircraft industry met with some success - the Ikarus Aero 2
Ikarus Aero 2
|-See also:-External links:*...
and Ikarus 213 Vihor trainers were followed into service by the Ikarus S-49 single-seat fighter and first Yugoslav-maiden jet aircraft
Jet aircraft
A jet aircraft is an aircraft propelled by jet engines. Jet aircraft generally fly much faster than propeller-powered aircraft and at higher altitudes – as high as . At these altitudes, jet engines achieve maximum efficiency over long distances. The engines in propeller-powered aircraft...
Ikarus 451M
Ikarus 451
The designation Ikarus 451 covers a family of six research aircraft designs built in Yugoslavia in the 1950s, all sharing the same basic airframe, but otherwise quite different from each other...
.
However, the first-line strength of the JRV was still declining, so in 1951 the Yugoslav Chief of Staff, Colonel General Koča Popović
Koca Popovic
Konstantin "Koča" Popović was a communist volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, 1937-1939 and Divisional Commander of the First Proletarian Division in Josip Broz Tito's Partisan army...
visited the United Kingdom to discuss the situation. It was agreed that a substantial shipment of aircraft would be forthcoming. In October 1951 the first de Havilland Mosquito
De Havilland Mosquito
The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was a British multi-role combat aircraft that served during the Second World War and the postwar era. It was known affectionately as the "Mossie" to its crews and was also nicknamed "The Wooden Wonder"...
F.B.6 fighter-bombers were supplied. The following year, 150 Republic F-47D Thunderbolt
P-47 Thunderbolt
Republic Aviation's P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as the "Jug", was the largest, heaviest, and most expensive fighter aircraft in history to be powered by a single reciprocating engine. It was heavily armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns, four per wing. When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to...
fighter-bombers were delivered from the USA under a Mutual Assistance Pact.
The first jet aircraft to be operated by the JRV, four Lockheed T-33A
T-33 Shooting Star
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American-built jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the...
jet trainers, arrived on 10 March 1953 and were soon followed by the first of 229 Republic F-84G Thunderjet
F-84 Thunderjet
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces proposal for a "day fighter", the F-84 flew in 1946...
fighter-bombers. Serials for the Thunderjets were from 10501 - 10729. The first eight Thunderjets, all former 48 TFW aircraft, arrived at Batajnica on June 9, 1953. At the same time, a number of Yugoslav pilots underwent jet flying training in Germany. These deliveries substantially improved the combat effectiveness of the JRV. Ten Westland Dragonfly
Sikorsky H-5
The Sikorsky H-5, is a helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, formerly used by the United States Air Force, and its predecessor, the United States Army Air Forces, as well as the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard The Sikorsky H-5, (aka R-5, S-51, HO3S-1, or Horse) (R-5...
helicopters were obtained in 1954, and in 1956, after numerous delays due to political considerations, 121 F-86E/Canadair CL-13 F.4 Sabres interceptors were delivered.
Rebuilding Soviet support
Nikita Khrushchev
Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev led the Soviet Union during part of the Cold War. He served as First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964, and as Chairman of the Council of Ministers, or Premier, from 1958 to 1964...
became Soviet leader, and in September 1962 this led to the first MiG-21F-13 interceptors being delivered. Lack of possible aircraft for replacement of US-made fighter-bomber jets and trainers induced Yugoslav domestic aircraft industry (Soko
Soko
Sokoband, formerly known as Soko, is a jazz fusion duo, featuring pianist Michael Sokolowski and bassist Houston Ross. The group formed as a trio in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991, with Sokolowski, Ross, and drummer John Gilmore. The group performed live for several years, then released their...
, Utva) to make new jet trainers and fighter-bombers. After a number of prototypes, Yugoslav aircraft industry made Soko G-2 Galeb light-attack trainer jet, which partly replaced a number of Lockheed T-33 aircraft, and Galeb's single-seat version, Soko J-21 Jastreb
Soko J-21 Jastreb
|-See also:...
light attack aircraft. The Galeb was big successes, and it was better than Aero L-29 Delfín
Aero L-29 Delfin
|-See also:-References:* Gunston, Bill, ed. "Aero L-29 Delfin." The Encyclopedia of World Air Power. New York: Crescent Books, 1990. ISBN 0-517-53754-0....
which was the main trainer aircraft in the Warsaw Pact
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Treaty Organization of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance , or more commonly referred to as the Warsaw Pact, was a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in Eastern Europe...
and a number of another air forces. Thus, the Galeb was exported only to Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
. The JRViPVO also purchased a number of domestic UTVA-66 utility aircraft. Twenty-five Mi-4
Mil Mi-4
The Mil Mi-4 was a Soviet transport helicopter that served in both military and civilian roles.-Design and development:...
medium transport helicopters were also obtained for helicopter units from USSR. At the end of 60's JRViPVO purchased a number of Soviet MiG-21's in MiG-21PFM fighter, MiG-21R reconnaissance and MiG-21U and US trainer versions, fifteen Polish Mi-2
Mil Mi-2
The Mil Mi-2 is a small, lightly armored transport helicopter that could also provide close air support when armed with 57 mm rockets and a 23 mm cannon.-Design and development:...
light helicopters, twenty five Zlin Z.526M Trainer Masters
Zlin Z-526
- External links :**-See also:...
for Aviation Military Academy at Zemunik airport and the delivery of Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
T medium transport helicopters had started.
Evolution
During the 1970s almost all the American jets were replaced by Soviet MiG-21 fighters and domestic attack/trainer jets. Many new projects, like new Utva 75 trainer, G-4 Super GalebG-4 Super Galeb
The Soko G-4 Super Galeb is a single engine, advanced jet trainer and light ground-attack aircraft.-Design and development:First flown on 17 July 1978, with serial production beginning in 1982, the G-4 was designed to replace the G-2 Galeb in the Yugoslav Air Force.-Operational history:The G-4 saw...
light attack/trainer jet commenced. The biggest project, Soko J-22 Orao
Soko J-22 Orao
The Soko J-22 Orao is a twin-engined, subsonic, close support, ground-attack and tactical reconnaissance aircraft, with secondary capability as a low level interceptor. It was designed as a single-seat main attack version or as a combat capable two-seat version for advanced flying and weapon...
attack aircraft made in cooperation with Romanian IAR
IAR
IAR may refer to:*IAR Systems, an embedded system technology company*A former stock market ticker for Idearc Media, a communications company*"Ignore all rules", a self-contradictory rule*Industria Aeronautică Română , an aerospace manufacturer...
, also started. 21 French-built Aérospatiale Gazelle
Aérospatiale Gazelle
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation . It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom , by SOKO in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt...
were bought, and after that the Soko factory in Mostar started serial production of the license-built Soko SA.341H which was later built in many other versions. Mi-8T helicopters replaced old Mi-4, Dragonfly, Whirlwind and Mi-2 helicopters. Fighter aviation was also modernized with new MiG-21 versions, MiG-21M, MiG-21MF and MiG-21UM. Transport capability grew with the acquisition of seventeen An-26's.
Reorganization
Letece zvezde
- Predecessors :Yugoslavia has a long history of precision display flying which was first demonstrated to the public during and airshow at Zemun – Belgrade's military airfield – in June 1938...
(Flying Stars) with seven Soko J-21 Jastreb
Soko J-21 Jastreb
|-See also:...
aircraft which were later replaced with seven Super Galebs. In 1987, the first squadron of new modern MiG-29 fighters was purchased from USSR, making Yugoslavia the first purchaser of it. They were a temporary solution until planned production of new Novi Avion
Novi Avion
|-See also:-References:* Newspaper article on Novi Avion* Aerosvet Magazine* Jane's All the World's Aircraft...
multirole aircraft.
In 1986 the JRViPVO underwent a limited reorganization which saw its operational units grouped into three regional Corps instead of the five Corps used previously. The primary air force missions were to contest enemy efforts to establish air superiority over Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
and to support the defensive operations of the ground forces and navy. The main organization were the three corps of Air Force and Air Defence; 1st Corps of AF and AD, 2nd Corps of AF and AD and 3rd Corps of AF and AD.
Fighter aviation
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
has become one of the first countries which bought MiG-29. Each Corps of AF and AD had one Fighter Aviation Regiment (Lovački Aviacijski Puk - LAP). The First Corps of AF and AD had the 204th Fighter Aviation Regiment. The role of this regiment was the guarding of the First Corps of AF and AD aerospace from possible aggression, especially protecting the Yugoslav capital, Belgrade, and then support of Yugoslav Peoples Army ground forces. The 204.LAP composed two fighter squadrons, 126.LAE equipped with MiG-21 Bis aircraft and 127.LAP equipped with new MiG-29's. The base of the 204th Fighter Aviation Regiment was Batajnica Airbase
Batajnica Airbase
Batajnica Airbase is an airport in Serbia. The airport is located between the town of Batajnica and Nova Pazova, some 20 kilometers northwest of Belgrade and is a military air base of the Serbian Armed Forces...
near Belgrade. The Third Corps of AF and AD had the 83rd Fighter Aviation Regiment (83.LAP) based at Slatina Air Base
Slatina Air Base
Slatina Air Base , located at Pristina International Airport, contained the second largest military underground hangar complex in former Yugoslavia. The largest one was at Željava Airport near Bihać...
near Priština
Pristina
Pristina, also spelled Prishtina and Priština is the capital and largest city of Kosovo. It is the administrative centre of the homonymous municipality and district....
. 83rd units were equipped with MiG-21 aircraft, 123rd with older MiG-21M and MF and the 130th with MiG-21Bis. The Fifth Corps of AF and AD had the 117th Fighter Aviation Regiment at Željava Air Base
Željava Air Base
Željava Air Base, situated on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under Plješevica Mountain, near the town of Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the largest underground airport and military airbase in the former Yugoslavia and one of the largest in Europe.-History:Construction...
. Željava was one of the best airbases in Europe, with underground runway, hangars, facilities for technical support, most advanced radars and communication equipment, sources of electricity, drinking water, fresh air, food, equipment, arms and fuel for staying 30 days without any connections with outside world. Units at Željava were 124th and 125th equipped with MiG-21 Bis fighter aircraft and 352nd equipped with MiG-21R reconnaissance-fighter aircraft.
Ground attack aviation
Ground Attack Aviation or Fighter-Bomber Aviation (Lovačko-Bombarderska Aviacija) was in the second plan of JRV. All attack aircraft were home-made. The new aircraft like J-22 Orao attack aircraft and G-4 Super GalebG-4 Super Galeb
The Soko G-4 Super Galeb is a single engine, advanced jet trainer and light ground-attack aircraft.-Design and development:First flown on 17 July 1978, with serial production beginning in 1982, the G-4 was designed to replace the G-2 Galeb in the Yugoslav Air Force.-Operational history:The G-4 saw...
light-attack trainer were replacing older J-21 Jastreb light-attack and G-2 Galeb light-attack trainer aircraft. The First Corps of AF and AD had two fighter-bomber squadrons and one reconnaissance squadron equipped with ground attack reconnaissance aircraft. 252nd from Batajnica Airbase
Batajnica Airbase
Batajnica Airbase is an airport in Serbia. The airport is located between the town of Batajnica and Nova Pazova, some 20 kilometers northwest of Belgrade and is a military air base of the Serbian Armed Forces...
was under direct command of its Corps of AF and AD (unlike other squadrons which were under the command of their Regiments/Brigades). It was equipped with older J-21 Jastreb light attack aircraft and G-2 Galeb trainer/attack aircraft, Utva-66 utility aircraft and new G-4 Super Galebs. Under command of the 97th Aviation Brigade (which was in 1st Corps of AF and AD) there was one fighter-bomber squadron, 240th, equipped with Jastrebs and one reconnaissance squadron, 353.IAE, equipped with IJ-22 Orao reconnaissance-attack aircraft. The Third Corps of AF and AD had two major fighter-bomber aviation units, 98th Aviation Brigade and 127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment. 98th Aviation Brigade from Skopski Petrovac in Macedonia had three squadrons, two fighter-bomber squadron and one reconnaissance squadron. Fighter-bomber squadrons were 241st equipped with J-22 Orao attack aircraft, 247th with Jastrebs and 354th IAE was equipped with IJ-21 Jastreb reconnaissance aircraft. 127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Golubovci Airbase comprised two fighter-bomber squadrons, 239th equipped with G-4 Super Galebs and 242nd equipped with Jastrebs and J-22 Orao aircraft. The Fifth Corps of AF and AD had most fighter-bomber aviation units, one Aviation Brigade and two Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiments. 82nd Aviation Brigade, at Cerklje Airbase, Slovenia, had two fighter-bomber squadrons and one reconnaissance squadron. Two fighter-bomber squadrons were 237.LBAE equipped with J-21 and NJ-21 Jastrebs, and 238th equipped with J-22 and NJ-22 Orao aircraft. Reconnaissance squadron was 351st equipped with IJ-21 Jastreb and IJ-22 Orao reconnaissance-attack aircraft. 105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Zemunik-Zadar Airbase comprised two fighter-bomber aviation squadrons, 249th equipped with Super Galebs
G-4 Super Galeb
The Soko G-4 Super Galeb is a single engine, advanced jet trainer and light ground-attack aircraft.-Design and development:First flown on 17 July 1978, with serial production beginning in 1982, the G-4 was designed to replace the G-2 Galeb in the Yugoslav Air Force.-Operational history:The G-4 saw...
, 251st with Galebs and one aviation squadron, 333rd equipped with Utva 75 training aircraft, An-2 transport aircraft, Gazelle helicopters and Super Galebs. 185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Pula Airport
Pula Airport
Pula Airport is the airport serving Pula, Croatia, and is located 6 km from the city centre. Thanks to favourable climatic and technical conditions Pula is designated as the alternative airport for parts of Slovenia, Italy, and even Austria...
has compos of one fighter-bomber squadron, 229th equipped with G-4 Super Galebs and one fighter squadron, 129th equipped with MiG-21 aircraft in versions MiG-21PFM, MiG-21US and MiG-21UM.
Training units
G-4 Super Galeb
The Soko G-4 Super Galeb is a single engine, advanced jet trainer and light ground-attack aircraft.-Design and development:First flown on 17 July 1978, with serial production beginning in 1982, the G-4 was designed to replace the G-2 Galeb in the Yugoslav Air Force.-Operational history:The G-4 saw...
trainers. After learning how to fly on jet aircraft, cadets continued their pilot education in other units dependent upon whether they became helicopter, fighter or fighter-bomber pilots. Cadets to become helicopter pilots, continued their education in the 107th Helicopter Regiment at Mostar, flying on Gazelle helicopters in 782nd and 783rd or on Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
helicopters in 782nd. Fighter-bomber pilot cadets continued their education in 127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Golubovci flying first on Super Galebs in 239th and later on J-21 Jastreb and J-22 Orao attack aircraft in 242nd Fighter pilot cadets continued their education in 185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Pula where they first fly on Super Galebs in 229th and later in 129th on MiG-21PFM and MiG-21UM/US they made they first super sonic flights. After finishing studies, cadets of Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito" become pilots and joined their service units.
Transport units
The major transport aviation unit was the 138th Transport Aviation Brigade at Batajnica AirbaseBatajnica Airbase
Batajnica Airbase is an airport in Serbia. The airport is located between the town of Batajnica and Nova Pazova, some 20 kilometers northwest of Belgrade and is a military air base of the Serbian Armed Forces...
. The 138th was a separate unit under direct command of JRViPVO HQ. It consisted of three squadrons, two VIP transport aviation squadrons and one transport helicopter squadron. Transport aviation squadrons were 675th equipped with Yak-40, Falcon 50 and 678th equipped with YAK-40 VIP aircraft and Mi-8 helicopters in VIP transport version. There were also few transport aviation units from non-Transport Brigades/Regiments. In 119th Aviation Brigade aviation brigade at Niš there was 677th equipped with An-26 and An-2 aircraft which were used for training of the 63rd Paratroop Brigade. At Pleso, in 111th Aviation Brigade was 676th was also equipped with An-26 and An-2 transport aircraft. There was also one aviation squadron, 333.AE from 105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at Zadar which was equipped with one An-2 aircraft used for parachute training of cadets of Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito".
Helicopter units
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
cargo helicopters and 12 Soviet anti-submarine helicopters. Each Corps of AF and AD had a Special helicopter squad (Specijalno Helikoptersko Odeljenje - SHO) equipped with four Mi-8 helicopters unless Special helicopter squad of First Corps of AF and AD, which was equipped with two Aérospatiale Alouette III
Aérospatiale Alouette III
The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by Sud Aviation. It was manufactured by Aérospatiale of France, and under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in India as Hal Chetak and Industria Aeronautică Română in Romania.The Alouette III is the...
light utility helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters. In the 138th Transport Aviation Brigade which was separate unit under direct command of JRViPVO HQ there was one transport helicopter squadron, 890.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 and Gazelle helicopters. The First Corps of AF and AD had the 107th Helicopter Regiment from Mostar (BiH), which consisted of two squadrons, 782.HE equipped with Gazelle helicopters in SA.341 and SA.342 Gama versions and Mi-8, and 783.HE equipped with Gazelle helicopters. Squadrons of the 107th Helicopter Regiment were used by Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito". Also there were three helicopter squadrons of the 97th Aviation Brigade at Divulje; 676.PPAE equipped with Gazelle helicopters and CL-215 firefighting aircraft, 784.PPHE equipped with 12 Mi-14
Mil Mi-14
|-See also:-External links:******...
, Ka-25 and Ka-28 anti-sub helicopters and 790.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 cargo helicopters. In the Third Corps of AF and AD there were three helicopter squadrons in 119. Aviation Brigade; 712.POHE equipped with Gazelle Gama attack helicopters, 714.POHE also equipped with Gazelle Gama helicopters and 787.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 transport helicopters. In Fifth Corps of AF and AD there were also three helicopter squadrons; 711.POHE equipped with Gazelle Gama, 713.POHE also equipped with Gazelle Gama attack helicopters and 780.TRHE equipped with Mi-8 cargo helicopters. There was also one mixed-aviation squadron, 333.AE from 105.LBAP which had few Gazelle helicopters used for training by Air Force Military Academy "Maršal Tito". The Army command regions also had their helicopter squadrons equipped with Gazelle Hera scout helicopters. EIV of 1st Army region was at Batajnica Airbase
Batajnica Airbase
Batajnica Airbase is an airport in Serbia. The airport is located between the town of Batajnica and Nova Pazova, some 20 kilometers northwest of Belgrade and is a military air base of the Serbian Armed Forces...
, EIV of 2nd Army region was at Skopski Petrovac, EIV of 3rd Army region at Pleso and EIV of Navy region was at Divulje.
Yugoslav wars, downfall
During the summer of 1991 the deep rooted grievances that had been threatening the unity of the Federal state for some time finally came to a head when Slovenia initiated moves towards independence. At the end of June 1991 the JRViPVO was tasked with transporting soldiers and federal police to Slovenia. The Slovenes resisted this re-imposition of central control, which rapidly escalated into an armed conflict. Two air force helicopters were shot down, while the JRViPVO launched air strikes on TV transmitters and Slovenian territorial defence positions. After a political agreement, the federal forces left Slovenia.Meanwhile, armed conflict had broken out between Croatian and Serbian forces in Croatia. The JRV flew several low passes in a show of force against Croatia and launched a number strikes. In August 1991 Serbian dominated federal government began a open war campaign against the Croats. The JRV was active providing transport and close air support missions to ground forces, but was gradually forced to abandon air bases outside of ethnic Serbian held areas. The hostilities were ended by a truce on 3 January 1992. The JRV equipment in Bosnia and Herzegovina was given to the new Republika Srpska Air Force
Republika Srpska Air Force
The Republika Srpska Air Force was the air force of Republika Srpska and was used primarily during the Bosnian war. In 2005, it was integrated into the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. SFOR still plays a large role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which consists of the Federation of Bosnia and...
and used during War in Bosnia. The bulk of the SFRY air force was inherited by the FR Yugoslavia Air Force.
1991 Order of Battle
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Regiment/brigade! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Squadron
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Aircraft type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Base
|-
|138th Transport Aviation Brigade||675th TRAE
678th TRAE
890th TRHE||Yak-40, Falcon 50, Learjet 25, Do-28D
Yak-40, Mi-8
Mi-8, SA.341,SA.342||Batajnica
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|1st Corps of AF and AD
|-
| ||SHO||SA.316, Mi-8||Batajnica
|-
|97th Aviation Brigade||240th LBAE
353rd IAE
676th PPAE
748th PPHE
790th TRHE||J-21 Jastreb
IJ-22 Orao
CL-215, SA.341
Ka-25, Ka-28, Mi-14
Mi-8||Divulje-Split
Split Airport
Split Kaštela/Resnik Airport is the airport serving Split and Kaštela in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. It is close to the town of Trogir....
|-
|107th Helicopter Wing||782nd HE
783rd HE||SA.341, Sa.342, Mi-8
SA.341, SA.342||Mostar
Mostar International Airport
Mostar International Airport is an airport near Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the village of Ortiješ, south southeast of Mostar's railway station...
|-
|204th Fighter Aviation Wing||126th LAE
127th LAE||MiG-21 Bis
MiG-29, MiG-29UB||Batajnica
|-
| ||252nd LBAE||J-21 Jastreb, G-2 Galeb,
G-4 Super Galeb, Utva 66||Batajnica
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|3rd Corps of AF and AD
|-
| ||SHO||Mi-8||Niš
Niš Constantine the Great Airport
Niš Constantine the Great Airport , is a Serbian airport that serves southern Serbia and the city of Niš. The airport, which is named for Constantine the Great, is located from the Niš city centre and is Serbia's second international airport.- History :...
|-
|83rd Fighter Aviation Wing||123rd LAE
130th LAE||MiG-21 Bis
MiG-21M, MiG-21MF||Slatina
Slatina Air Base
Slatina Air Base , located at Pristina International Airport, contained the second largest military underground hangar complex in former Yugoslavia. The largest one was at Željava Airport near Bihać...
|-
|98th Aviation Brigade||241st LBAE
247th LBAE
354th IAE||J-22 Orao
J-21 Jastreb
IJ-21 Jastreb||Skopski Petrovac
Skopje Airport
Skopje Airport , or Skopje "Alexander the Great" Airport is the larger and busier of the two international airports in the Republic of Macedonia...
|-
|119th Aviation Brigade||677th TRAE
712th POHE
714th POHE
787th TRHE||An-2, An-26
SA.342
SA.342
Mi-8||Niš
Niš Constantine the Great Airport
Niš Constantine the Great Airport , is a Serbian airport that serves southern Serbia and the city of Niš. The airport, which is named for Constantine the Great, is located from the Niš city centre and is Serbia's second international airport.- History :...
|-
|172nd Fighter-Bomber Aviation Wing||239th LBAE
242nd LBAE||G-4 Super Galeb
J-21 Jastreb, J-22 Orao||Golubovci
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|5th Corps of AF and AD
|-
| ||SHO||Mi-8||Pleso
Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Airport , also known as Pleso Airport after the nearby suburb of Pleso, is the main international airport of Croatia and also a Croatian Air Force and Defense major fighter jet base. Located 10 km from the central railway station in Zagreb, it served 2,071,561 passengers in 2010 and is the...
|-
|82nd Aviation Brigade||237th LBAE
238th LBAE
351st IAE||J-21 Jastreb, NJ-21 Jastreb
J-22 Orao, NJ-22 Orao
IJ-21 Jastreb, IJ-22 Orao||Cerklje
Cerklje ob Krki Airbase
-The Beginnings:The earliest existence of the airport in Cerklje ob Krki was in the 1930s, where a grass runway created an auxiliary airfield. The military authorities of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia decided to build an airport in the location due to technical data based on favorable weather and...
|-
|105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Wing||249th LBAE
251st LBAE
333rd AE||G-4 Super Galeb
G-2 Galeb
Utva 75, An-2, SA.341, G-4 Super Galeb||Zadar
Zadar Airport
Zadar Airport is the airport serving Zadar, Croatia. It is located in Zemunik Donji 8 km from the Zadar railway station. The airport serves as the flying base for Lufthansa's flight school InterCockpit and Croatian Air Force main training base....
|-
|111th Aviation Brigade||676th TRAE
711th POHE
713th POHE
780th TRHE||An-2, An-26
SA.342
SA.342
Mi-8||Pleso
Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Airport , also known as Pleso Airport after the nearby suburb of Pleso, is the main international airport of Croatia and also a Croatian Air Force and Defense major fighter jet base. Located 10 km from the central railway station in Zagreb, it served 2,071,561 passengers in 2010 and is the...
|-
|117th Fighter Aviation Wing||124th LAE
125th LAE
352nd IAE||MiG-21 Bis
MiG-21 Bis
MiG-21R||Željava
Željava Air Base
Željava Air Base, situated on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under Plješevica Mountain, near the town of Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the largest underground airport and military airbase in the former Yugoslavia and one of the largest in Europe.-History:Construction...
|-
|185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Wing||129th LAE
229th LBAE||MiG-21PFM, MiG-21UM/US
G-4 Super Galeb||Pula
Pula Airport
Pula Airport is the airport serving Pula, Croatia, and is located 6 km from the city centre. Thanks to favourable climatic and technical conditions Pula is designated as the alternative airport for parts of Slovenia, Italy, and even Austria...
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|Squadrons of Army command regions
|-
| ||EIV of 1st Army region
EIV of 2nd Army region
EIV of 3rd Army region
EIV of Navy region||SA.341 Hera
SA.341 Hera
SA.341 Hera
SA.341 Hera||Batajnica
Skopski Petrovac
Skopje Airport
Skopje Airport , or Skopje "Alexander the Great" Airport is the larger and busier of the two international airports in the Republic of Macedonia...
Pleso
Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Airport , also known as Pleso Airport after the nearby suburb of Pleso, is the main international airport of Croatia and also a Croatian Air Force and Defense major fighter jet base. Located 10 km from the central railway station in Zagreb, it served 2,071,561 passengers in 2010 and is the...
Divulje-Split
Split Airport
Split Kaštela/Resnik Airport is the airport serving Split and Kaštela in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. It is close to the town of Trogir....
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|Squadrons of Republics territorial defence (TO) staffs
|-
| ||ELABA RSTO Slovenije
ELABA RSTO Crne Gore||J-20 Kragulj
J-20 Kragulj||Brnik
Golubovci
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="6"|Yugoslav Military Air Force Academy
|-
|105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Training Wing
107th Helicopter Training Wing
127th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Training Wing
185th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Training Wing||(see above)||(see above)||Zadar
Zadar Airport
Zadar Airport is the airport serving Zadar, Croatia. It is located in Zemunik Donji 8 km from the Zadar railway station. The airport serves as the flying base for Lufthansa's flight school InterCockpit and Croatian Air Force main training base....
Mostar
Mostar International Airport
Mostar International Airport is an airport near Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the village of Ortiješ, south southeast of Mostar's railway station...
Golubovci
Pula
Pula Airport
Pula Airport is the airport serving Pula, Croatia, and is located 6 km from the city centre. Thanks to favourable climatic and technical conditions Pula is designated as the alternative airport for parts of Slovenia, Italy, and even Austria...
|}
- AE - Aviacijska Eskadrila - Aviation Squadron
- LAE - Lovačka Aviacijska Eskadrila - Fighter Aviation Squadron
- LBAE - Lovačko-Bombarderska Aviacijska Eskadrila - Fighter-Bomber Squadron
- IAE - Izviđačka Aviacijska Eskadrila - Recconistance Aviation Squadron
- TRAE - Transportna Aviacijska Eskadrila - Transport Aviation Squadron
- PPAE - Protivpožarna Aviacijska Eskadrila - Firefighting Aviation Escadrile
- HE - Helikopterska Eskadrila - Helicopter Squadron
- SHO - Specijalno Helikoptersko Odeljenje - Special Helicopter Sectiona
- TRHE - Transportna Helikopterska Eskadrila - Transport Helicopter Squadron
- POHE - Protivoklopna Helikopterska Eskadrila - Anti-armoure Helicopter Squadron
- PPHE - Protivpodmornička Helikopterska Eskadrila - Anti-submarine Helicopter Squadron
Aircraft type designation system
In 1962 the Yugoslav Air Force introduced a new aircraft designation system to identify specific aircraft types. Prior to this time, the Air Force had been mainly equipped combat aircraft of US origin, such as the F-84G and T-33A, and the US designation was commonly used. However, aircraft locally modified to fulfill the reconnaissance role, such as the F-86D and T-33A, were referred to as the IF-86D and IT-33A. The selection of the MiG-21, which lacked similar designation, as the new front-line fighter led to the introduction of a formal aircraft designation system.The main designation consisted of a prefix letter signifying the principal role of the aircraft, and a two-digit individual type number, e.g.: J-22. The role prefixes are:
- L - Lovac (fighter)
- J - Jurisnik (attack)
- H - Helikopter (helicopter)
- V - Visenamjenski (utility)
- N - Nastavni (training)
- T - Transportni (transport)
In addition, various role modification prefix and suffix letters are used, to indicate trainer, reconnaissance etc. variants of the basic design. The role modification letters are:
- I - Izvidjac (reconnaissance)
- M - Modifikovan (modified)
- N - Nastavni (fighter trainer)
- N - Naoruzani (armed helicopter)
- O - Opce namjene (general purpose)
- P - Protivpodmornicki (anti-submarine)
- S - Spailacki (rescue)
- T - Transportni (transport)
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Generic
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Fighters
|-
|L-10*|| ||Republic F-84G
F-84 Thunderjet
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces proposal for a "day fighter", the F-84 flew in 1946...
|-
|L-11*|| ||Canadair Sabre
|-
|L-12|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F-13
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
|-
| ||NL-12||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21U-400/600
|-
|L-13*|| ||North American F-86D Sabre
|-
|L-14|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
PFM
|-
| ||L-14I||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21R
|-
| ||NL-14||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21US
|-
|L-15|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
M
|-
| ||L-15M||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF
|-
|L-16||NL-16||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
UM
|-
|L-17|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
bis
|-
| ||L-17K||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis-K
|-
|L-18|| ||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
Mikoyan MiG-29
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other...
|-
| ||NL-18||Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Attack
|-
|J-20|| ||Soko J-20 Kraguj
Soko J-20 Kraguj
|-See also:-References:* Taylor,John W.R. . Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969-70. London: Sampson Low,1969.-External links:* *...
|-
|J-21|| ||J-1 Jastreb
Soko J-21 Jastreb
|-See also:...
|-
| ||IJ-21||Soko RJ-1 Jastreb
|-
| ||NJ-21||Soko TJ-1 Jastreb
|-
|J-22|| ||J-22 Orao
Soko J-22 Orao
The Soko J-22 Orao is a twin-engined, subsonic, close support, ground-attack and tactical reconnaissance aircraft, with secondary capability as a low level interceptor. It was designed as a single-seat main attack version or as a combat capable two-seat version for advanced flying and weapon...
|-
| ||IJ-22 ||Soko RJ-2 Orao
|-
| ||NJ-22 ||Soko TJ-2 Orao
|-
| ||INJ-22 ||Soko RTJ-2 Orao
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Helicopter
|-
|H-40|| ||Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
|-
| ||HT-40||Mil Mi-8T
|-
| ||HT-40E||Mil Mi-8 E i PED
|-
|H-41|| ||Mil/PZL Swidnik Mi-2
Mil Mi-2
The Mil Mi-2 is a small, lightly armored transport helicopter that could also provide close air support when armed with 57 mm rockets and a 23 mm cannon.-Design and development:...
|-
| ||HT-41||Mil/PZL Swidnik Mi-2
|-
|H-42|| ||Aerospatiale/Soko SA.341H Gazelle
Aérospatiale Gazelle
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation . It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom , by SOKO in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt...
|-
| ||HI-42||Soko SA.341H HERA
|-
| ||HN-42M||Soko SA.341H GAMA
|-
| ||HO-42||Aerospatiale/Soko SA.341H Gazelle
|-
| ||HS-42||Soko SA341H
|-
|H-43|| ||Kamov Ka-25
Kamov Ka-25
|-See also:-Bibliography:* Gunston, Bill. “The Osprey Encyclopaedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995”. London, Osprey. 1995. ISBN 1 85532 405 9-External links:* http://www.aviation.ru/Ka/#25* http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/ka-25.php...
|-
| ||HP-43||Kamov Ka-25Bsh
|-
|H-44|| ||Mil Mi-14
Mil Mi-14
|-See also:-External links:******...
|-
| ||HP-44||Mil Mi-14PL
|-
|H-45|| ||Soko SA.342L1 Gazelle
Aérospatiale Gazelle
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation . It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom , by SOKO in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt...
|-
| ||HN-45M||Soko SA.342L1 GAMA 2
|-
| ||HO-45||Soko SA.342L1
|-
|H-46||||Kamov Ka-28
|-
| ||HP-46||Kamov Ka-28
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Utility
|-
|V-50|| ||Utva-60H
Lola Utva
Utva Aviation Industry is an aircraft factory located in Pančevo, Serbia. Founded 1937 in Zemun, known for its light sporting and training aircraft. Previously, the company was named "Utva", but in 1996 it was merged with Lola another factory from Železnik...
|-
|V-51|| ||Utva-66
Lola Utva
Utva Aviation Industry is an aircraft factory located in Pančevo, Serbia. Founded 1937 in Zemun, known for its light sporting and training aircraft. Previously, the company was named "Utva", but in 1996 it was merged with Lola another factory from Železnik...
|-
|V-52|| ||Utva-66H
Lola Utva
Utva Aviation Industry is an aircraft factory located in Pančevo, Serbia. Founded 1937 in Zemun, known for its light sporting and training aircraft. Previously, the company was named "Utva", but in 1996 it was merged with Lola another factory from Železnik...
|-
|V-53|| ||Utva-75
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Training
|-
|N-60|| ||Soko G-2 Galeb
|-
|N-61|| ||Zlin Z-526
Zlin Z-526
- External links :**-See also:...
|-
|N-62|| ||Soko G-4 Super Galeb
|-
|N-63|| ||Utva Lasta
Lola Utva
Utva Aviation Industry is an aircraft factory located in Pančevo, Serbia. Founded 1937 in Zemun, known for its light sporting and training aircraft. Previously, the company was named "Utva", but in 1996 it was merged with Lola another factory from Železnik...
|-
! style="background:#acc;" colspan="3"|Transport
|-
|T-70|| ||Antonov An-26
Antonov An-26
The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engined turboprop military transport aircraft, designed and produced in the USSR from 12 March 1968.-Development:...
|-
|T-71|| ||Antonov An-2
Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2 is a single-engine biplane utility/agricultural aircraft designed in the USSR in 1946...
|}
Aircraft inventory 1965-1985
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Aircraft! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Versions
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Number
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Fighter aircraft
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...
|-
| MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
|| || fighter
trainer
reconnaissance || MiG-21Bis/PMF/M/MF
MiG-21UM/US
MiG-21R/M/MF|| ~ 120
28
15
|-
| MiG-29
Mikoyan MiG-29
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other...
|| || fighter
trainer || MiG-29B
MiG-29UB || 14
2
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Ground attack aircraft
Ground attack aircraft
Ground-attack aircraft are military aircraft with primary role of attacking targets on the ground with greater precision than bombers and prepared to face stronger low-level air defense...
|-
| Soko J-20 Kraguj
Soko J-20 Kraguj
|-See also:-References:* Taylor,John W.R. . Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969-70. London: Sampson Low,1969.-External links:* *...
|| || counterinsurgency || J-20 || 40
|-
| Soko J-21 Jastreb
Soko J-21 Jastreb
|-See also:...
|| || attack
trainer
reconnaissance || J-21
NJ-21
IJ-21 || 108
17
36
|-
| Soko J-22 Orao
Soko J-22 Orao
The Soko J-22 Orao is a twin-engined, subsonic, close support, ground-attack and tactical reconnaissance aircraft, with secondary capability as a low level interceptor. It was designed as a single-seat main attack version or as a combat capable two-seat version for advanced flying and weapon...
|| || attack
trainer
reconnaissance||J-22
NJ-22
IJ-22
INJ-22||57
21
25
9
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Transport
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
and liaison aircraft
Liaison aircraft
A liaison aircraft is a small, usually unarmed aircraft primarily used by military forces for artillery observation or transporting commanders and messages. The concept developed before World War II and included also battlefield reconnaissance, air ambulance, column control, light cargo delivery...
|-
| Antonov An-2
Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2 is a single-engine biplane utility/agricultural aircraft designed in the USSR in 1946...
|| || cargo aircraft || An-2TD || 8
|-
| Antonov An-12
Antonov An-12
The Antonov An-12 is a four-engined turboprop transport aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. It is the military version of the Antonov An-10.-Design and development:...
|| || cargo aircraft || An-12 || 2
|-
| Antonov An-26
Antonov An-26
The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engined turboprop military transport aircraft, designed and produced in the USSR from 12 March 1968.-Development:...
|| || cargo aircraft || An-26 || 14
|-
| Yakovlev Yak-40
Yakovlev Yak-40
The Yakovlev Yak-40 is a small, three-engined airliner that is often called the first regional jet transport aircraft...
|| || VIP aircraft || Yak-40 || 6
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Firefighting aircraft
|-
| Canadair CL-215
Canadair CL-215
The Canadair CL-215 was the first model in a series of firefighting flying boat amphibious aircraft built by Canadair and later Bombardier. The CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft designed to operate well at low speed and in gust-loading circumstances, as are found over forest fires...
|| || firefighting || CL-215 || 4
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Trainer aircraft
Trainer (aircraft)
A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate in-flight training of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristics and a simplified cockpit arrangement—allows...
|-
| Soko G-2 Galeb || || fighter-bomber/trainer || N-60 || 131
|-
| Utva 75 || || basic trainer || V-53 || 138
|-
| Soko G-4 Super Galeb || || fighter-bomber/trainer || N-62 || 77
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
s
|-
| Soko Gazelle
Aérospatiale Gazelle
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation . It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom , by SOKO in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt...
|| / || utility
rescue
reconnaissance
attack|| HO-42
HS-42
HI-42
HN-42|| 94
|-
| Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
|| || transport || Mi-8T || 93
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | ASW helicopters
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
|-
| Mil Mi-14
Mil Mi-14
|-See also:-External links:******...
|| || antisubmarine || Mi-14PL || 4
|-
| Kamov Ka-27
Kamov Ka-27
|-See also:-External links:*...
|| || antisubmarine || Ka-27 || 2
|-
| Kamov Ka-25
Kamov Ka-25
|-See also:-Bibliography:* Gunston, Bill. “The Osprey Encyclopaedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995”. London, Osprey. 1995. ISBN 1 85532 405 9-External links:* http://www.aviation.ru/Ka/#25* http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/ka-25.php...
|| || antisubmarine || Ka-25BSsh || 6
|}
Commanders
- Franc Pist (1944–1946)
- Zdenko Ulepič (1946–1965)
- Viktor Bubanj (1965–1970)
- Milan Simović (1970–1972)
- Enver Ćemalović (1972–1979)
- Stevan Roglić (1979–1981)
- Slobodan Alagić (1981–1985)
- Anton Tus (1985–1991)
- Zvonko Jurjević (1991–1992)
- Božidar Stefanović (1992)
Air forces from the former Yugoslavia
Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro-
-
Serbian Air ForceSerbian Air ForceThe Serbian Air Force and Air Defence is the air force of Serbia and service branch of the Serbian Armed Forces. Established in 1912, it is one of the oldest air forces in the world.-History:...
Croatian Air Force Macedonian Air ForceMacedonian Air ForceThe Macedonian Air Force is the air arm of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia.-History:The development of the Macedonian Air Force and Air Defence Forces started from scratch in 1992, because the former Yugoslav Peoples Army took all the weapons and equipment which Macedonia had accumulated,...
Slovenian Air ForceSlovenian Air Force and Air DefenceSlovenian Air Force and Air Defence is a part of the Slovenian Armed Forces. It is an integral part of the command structure, not an independent branch.-Duties:...
-
-
Republika Srpska Air ForceRepublika Srpska Air ForceThe Republika Srpska Air Force was the air force of Republika Srpska and was used primarily during the Bosnian war. In 2005, it was integrated into the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. SFOR still plays a large role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which consists of the Federation of Bosnia and...
See also
- Socialist Federal Republic of YugoslaviaSocialist Federal Republic of YugoslaviaThe Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,...
- Željava Air BaseŽeljava Air BaseŽeljava Air Base, situated on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under Plješevica Mountain, near the town of Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the largest underground airport and military airbase in the former Yugoslavia and one of the largest in Europe.-History:Construction...
- Slatina Air BaseSlatina Air BaseSlatina Air Base , located at Pristina International Airport, contained the second largest military underground hangar complex in former Yugoslavia. The largest one was at Željava Airport near Bihać...
- Balkan Air ForceBalkan Air ForceThe Balkan Air Force was a late-World War II Allied air formation.-History:The formation was based at Bari in Italy, and activated on 7 June 1944 from AHQ 'G' Force to simplify command arrangements for the air support of Special Operations Executive-operations in the Balkans, i.e. across the...
- Glasnik RV i PVOGlasnik RV i PVOGlasnik RV i PVO was published by the SFR Yugoslav Air Force, i.e. Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo i Protivvazdušna Odbrana - ....
- Krila ArmijeKrila ArmijeKrila Armije was published by the SFR Yugoslav Air Force Krila Armije (Wings of the Army) was published by the SFR Yugoslav Air Force Krila Armije (Wings of the Army) was published by the SFR Yugoslav Air Force (Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo i Protivvazdušna Odbrana - (RV i PVO)....
- Leteće ZvezdeLetece zvezde- Predecessors :Yugoslavia has a long history of precision display flying which was first demonstrated to the public during and airshow at Zemun – Belgrade's military airfield – in June 1938...