26.03.2025.
Combat training of Orao attack aircraft pilots
The combat training of young Orao attack aircraft pilots and the training of technical personnel serving with the 98th Air Brigade is being conducted at the Morava Military Airfield in Lađevci and in the wider area surrounding it.
To maintain and improve their skills in providing aerial support to ground and special forces during combat operations, pilots of the 241st Fighter-Bomber Squadron are practicing tactical manoeuvres and fire, launching missiles and bombs at ground targets.Side by side with them on the runway are technicians of all specialties, who make sure that the aircraft are airworthy and are in charge of flight preparation. Before take-off and after landing, they conduct regular inspections of the engines, electrical assemblies and instruments on Orao aircraft.
Major Goran Cukavac, acting Deputy Commander of the 241st Fighter-Bomber Squadron, points out that combat training is of paramount importance for that unit because it is the core element of all the tasks carried out by the unit members. He says that the combat training of young pilots is currently underway, which consists of two phases — initial and advanced. — During the initial phase, pilots get familiarized with the aircraft’s nav/attack systems and the sighting system and learn how to use them. Advanced combat training is much more complex. It involves formation flying and low flying. Citizens find a pilot’s job most appealing, however, we cannot function without technicians, they ensure the proper functioning of aircraft, navigation systems, weapons systems, and make sure that flights can be safely made — said Major Cukavac, adding that there is an unbreakable bond between pilots and technicians.
Lieutenant Stefan Grbić, a pilot with the 241st Fighter-Bomber Squadron, says that even as a boy, watching shows about pilots, he dreamed of pursuing this career. He says that the path to becoming a pilot is not easy; it takes a lot of dedication, perseverance and motivation, but every time he flies, he knows that the effort has paid off, because he feels love, satisfaction, happiness, a sense of success and pride.
— This job has given me a lot of pleasure. Young people should seek out that inner desire, they should not hesitate, nor should they be afraid of the uncertainty that this job entails. When you get a bird’s eye view of our homeland, it’s wonderful, it is such a delight to experience and see Serbia from that perspective. You are aware of the responsibility, but also of the privilege of doing this job. We, the pilots, are very close, and our older colleagues, teachers, act as mentors to us, young pilots, trying to transfer their skills and knowledge to us. We build a special bond there, we become very close and keep close, not only in the unit but also outside work — explains Lieutenant Grbić, who has been flying for six years now.Intensive training, which is conducted in the squadron throughout the year, enhances the unit’s combat readiness and develops mutual confidence and bond between pilots and technicians, who work closely together on the most demanding tasks.
Young men and women wishing to become pilots of the Serbian Armed Forces, who have completed their undergraduate studies at civilian faculties and are up to 27 years of age this year, can apply for the SAF Reserve Aviation Officer Course, which is open to applications until March 31. After a six-month training, the best candidates will get the chance to join professional military service right away, continue training as aviation officers and earn the title of airplane pilot, helicopter pilot or remotely piloted aircraft pilot-operator.
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