25.01.2023.

Minister Vučević visits 72nd Special Operations Brigade

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević visited members of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade at Pančevo’s “Rastko Nemanjić“ barracks today.

The unit commander, Brigadier General Miroslav Talijan, briefed the Minister of Defence about the unit’s purpose and tasks.

Having inspected the unit’s degree of training and competence, Ministar Vučević said that he was not worried about Serbia’s security and future.

“I am not worried about Serbia’s security and future when I see what great soldiers, NCOs and officers we have - our amazing, famous and heroic 72nd Special Operations Brigade. The story of one of the best units in the Serbian Armed Forces that rivals the world’s best militaries has been recounted for over three decades. I am sure that the 72nd Brigade has always been up to every task and protected our homeland and our people in the most difficult times and situations, and I am certain that it will continue to do so in the future whenever the homeland calls, and whenever the citizens of Serbia seek its help. I expect to see it in the most dangerous places and the most challenging situations, to always stand with its people and its homeland", said Minister Vučević, adding that this responsibility was bequeathed to today's members of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, but that it was also their duty towards future generations.

The Minister of Defence said that one of the tasks of this SAF unit was to get involved in the 5,000 Special Forces project, for which a competition will be launched in the coming period.

"Among other tasks assigned to it by the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, the 72nd Brigade has a special role - to get involved in the 5,000 Special Forces project, which aims to increase the number of troops in the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, to provide them with even better training conditions, state-of-the-art equipment and weapons, to provide them with an even better financial and social status, and to make sure that they proudly wear the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces. That is the task of all of us, and their mission, their task is to protect the homeland, to protect Serbia", Minister Vučević concluded.

During the visit, the minister had the opportunity to see the demonstration of capabilities of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, as well as the display of their weapons and military equipment, a demonstration of martial arts, shooting in a weapons range, and counter-terrorism action in urban and rural areas using combat vehicles and AF and AD helicopters. Also, the unit members demonstrated their skills at rope-climbing, handling close combat weapons, doing an obstacle course, and conducted an exercise with the use of explosive ordnance.