24.12.2024.
Minister Gašić attends event marking Air Force and Air Defence Day
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff Gen. Milan Mojsilović attended tonight at the Aviation Club in Zemun a ceremony marking the Air Force and Air Defence Day.
At the beginning of the event, a message from the President and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, was read.Minister Gašić addressed numerous guests, reminding them that on December 24, 1912, only nine years after the Wright brothers’ first flight, the first air force command, headed by Major Kosta Miletić, was formed in Niš.
- The following year, the then small but strong Serbia was among the first countries in the world to have a baptism of fire in aerial warfare during the siege of Shkodra. The period between the two world wars was characterized by the flourishing and intensive development of our aviation, as well as the production of modern aircraft by the domestic aviation industry. At the same time, as the Serbian aviation made progress, air defence units and signal stations, forerunners of future aerial surveillance and early warning units, were being created and developed - said the Minister of Defence.
He said that the fighter pilots distinguished themselves by showing extraordinary heroism during the defence of Belgrade in the April War of 1941, as well as the bomber pilots, who inflicted substantial losses on the enemy.
- After the Second World War, the Air Force and Air Defence was being equipped with modern aircraft, air defence missile systems and medium and long-range radars in several development phases, in parallel with the rapid development of domestic industry and overhaul facilities. In keeping with their ancestors’ traditions, members of our Air Force and Air Force proved their patriotism and courage by heroically opposing NATO forces during the aggression against our beautiful homeland in 1999 - emphasized Minister Gašić.According to Minister Gašić, the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, greatly assisted by our state leadership headed by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander, have provided great support for the development of the Air Force and Air Defence over the past year.
- The procurement of aircraft, missile and radar systems, as well as the modernization of future combat vehicles and systems, has continued. Acknowledging the security challenges and risks facing our country, as well as achievements made in the development of weapons, the state and military leaders have agreed to equip the Serbian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art Rafale multi-role fighter jets. It is a very expensive, but profitable investment in the long-term security of our sky - said Minister Gašić.
The results of the equipment process and the capabilities of the Air Force and Air Defence units were presented to the public at the capabilities display - Flag 2024 at the Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlović military airport in Batajnica.
- On that occasion, we showed the citizens of Serbia that the vision of a powerful and modern military, defined in 2012, has become a reality. I would like to emphasize that Air Force and Air Defence units are very successful at safeguarding and protecting the sovereignty of the airspace of the Republic of Serbia. By conducting various joint exercises with Army units, the 63rd Parachute Brigade and the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, they are continuously improving their ability to carry out specific tasks – said Minister Gašić and commended all Air Force and Air Defence members for the work results achieved in 2024.He expressed his belief that the next year would be even more successful, and that all members of the Air Force and Air Defence would prove that they deserved their reputation and were worthy representatives of the honourable military profession.
- In the hope that you will continue building your capabilities and contributing to the peace and prosperity of our country and all our citizens, I congratulate you on the Air Force and Air Defence Day - said Minister Gašić.
According to the Air Force and Air Defence Commander, Lt. Gen. Duško Žarković, the members of this service provide safe skies over Serbia by continuously monitoring the airspace.
- This year, the equipment of the Air Force and Air Force has continued, with the adoption of Mi-35 combat helicopters, H-145 multi-role helicopters, FK-3 and HQ-17 air defence missile systems, GM-400 and GM-200 radars, as well as with the automation of the Sova 24 system. Along with the modernization of the MiG-29 and Orao aircraft and the KUB air defence missile system, we have overhauled and upgraded some of the aircraft and missile systems. Next year, we expect new young people in our ranks, as well as new assets and materiel, quality training and, most importantly, a safe execution of tasks. The results achieved by working professionally and responsibly in the past period, are a guarantee that all tasks will be completely fulfilled. We remember the past, we are aware of the present, but we look to the future - said General Žarković.At tonight's event, an overview of the past year's work results was presented, and the Plaque of the Air Force and Air Defence was awarded to the Government Aviation Service for long-term cooperation and support. General Žarković presented the Plaque to the acting director of the Aviation Service, Nebojša Skorić.
The event was attended by members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, representatives of local and religious communities and numerous guests who, after the ceremony, had the chance to visit the exhibition entitled "Milutin Milanković - Life and Work" in the Ikar Gallery.