SFR Yugoslav Air Force

SFR Yugoslav Air Force
Active	1945 - 1992
Country	Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Branch	Air Force
Size	32.000 personnel 700 combat aircraft
Part of	Yugoslav People's Army
HQ	Zemun
Engagements	World War II War in Slovenia War in Croatia
Commanders
Last commander	Anton Tus
Insignia
Roundel
Fin
Fin marking
Aircraft flown
Attack	J-21, J-22, G-4, G-2, SA.342 GAMA
Fighter	MiG-29, MiG-21Bis
Interceptor	MiG-21Bis
Patrol	SA.341 HERA, Ka-25, Ka-28, Mi-14
Reconnaissance	MiG-21M, IJ-21, IJ-22
Trainer	Utva 75,G-2, G-4, NJ-22
Transport	An-2, An-26, YAK-40, Falcon 50, Learjet 25, Mi-8

The Ratno vazduhoplovstvo i protiv vazdušna odbrana - RV i PVO SFRJ - SFR Yugoslav Air Force, sometimes simply called Jugoslovensko ratno vazduhoplovstvo or JRV (Serbo-Croatian: Jugoslavensko ratno zrakoplovstvo) but also known as the Former Yugoslav Air Force, was the air force of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia ("Yugoslavia"). Upon being formed in 1945, it was the second official Yugoslav air force which succeeded the first, the Yugoslav Royal Air Force which was destroyed in 1941, following the German occupation of Yugoslavia. It was among the most powerful air forces in all of Europe. It had hundreds of operational fighter aircraft, naval aircraft, and more. The SFR Yugoslav Air Force, in late 1990, had about 32,000 personnel. The SFR Air Force was broken up due to the 1991-1995 Yugoslav civil wars.

History

End of World War II, and help of Soviet Union (1945-1948)

Spitfires of the No 352 (Y) Squadron R.A.F. (Balkan Air Force) before first mission on August 18, 1944, from airport Canne - Italy,Yugoslav Aeronautical Museum

By early 1945, Yugoslav Partisan forces 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 Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes, see BAF) 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. Many future air force personnel were former members of the VSJ.

Break up relations with Soviets, US help (1948-1960's)

Yugoslav F-84 Thunderjet undergoing pre-flight check-up.

Line-up of JRV F-86E Sabres.

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 Popvic 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 9th, 1953. [1] 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.

Rebuilding Soviet support (1960's-1970's)

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 Krushchev became Soviet leader, and in September 1962 this lead 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 Galebs 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-8T medium transport helicopters had started.

Evolution (1970's-1980's)

Yugoslav Air Force An-26 (T-70) cargo aircraft.

During the 70's 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 Galeb 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.

Reorganization (1980's-1990's)

JRV Pilots during pre-flight activities.

The focus in the 80s was a partial replacement of Jastreb and Galeb 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 bought by JRViPVO. 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.

Fighter Aviation

RV i PVO MiG-21s at the entrance of the underground complex at Bihać AB - Front Magazine

The MiG-29 of the Yugoslav Air Force at Batajnica in 1987.

The main component of JRV was the fighter aviation (Lovačka Aviacija). 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.

Ground Attack Aviation

Soko J-22 Orao - the main attack aircraft of the Yugoslav AF.

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 Galeb 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.

Training Units

JRV Soko G-4 Super Galeb advanced jet trainers.

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 of JRV. [2]

Transport Units

Falcon 50 of the Yugoslav Air Force at Basle in 1984

The major transport aviation unit was the 138th Transport Aviation Brigade (138.TRAB) at Batajnica Airbase. The 138.TRAB was separate unit under direct command of JRViPVO HQ. It has consisted of three squadrons, two VIP transport aviation squadrons and one transport helicopter squadron. Transport aviation squadrons were 675. TRAE equipped with Yak-40, Falcon 50, Learjet 25 and Do-28D, and 678. TRAE 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 677.TRAE 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 676.TRAE 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

Mi-8T helicopter of YuAF.

Soko Gazelle, first Yugoslav-built helicopter.

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.

Yugoslav wars, the end of JRViPVO (1991-1992)

A Yugoslav air force G-4 Super Galeb on display at the 1991 Paris Air Show in France.

The Novi Avion was the Yugoslav project for new multirole jet fighter.

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 and took all JRViPVO equipment with them.

Meanwhile, armed conflict had broken out between Croatian and Serbian forces in Croatia. The RViPVO 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 JRViPVO 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. During this time the Croats had shot down 23 aircraft and helicopters of the JRViPVO. The JRViPVO equipment in Bosnia and Herzegovina was given to the new Republika Srpska Air Force and used during War in Bosnia.

For that period JRV had many plans like the purchase of 'Novi Avion' aircraft, which were supposed to replace first all MiG-21 fighter aircraft, and later J-22 Orao attack aircraft. There were also plans for the replacement of Mi-8, Mi-14, Ka-25 and Ka-28 with VNH-90 helicopters, modernization of G-4 Super Galeb, a new light helicopter and a new VBL-2000 UAV. Unfortunately, bloody civil war stopped all those ideas. Most of the equipment passed to the FR Yugoslavia Air Force (which was also called JRViPVO) and a large number of them have been used for spare parts during the sanctions or they were destroyed by NATO forces during aggression of FR Yugoslavia.

1991 Order of Battle

• 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 principle role of the aircraft, and a two-digit individual type number, eg: 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)

SFR Yugoslav Air Force Operational Inventory, 1990

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Versions	Number
Fighter Aircraft
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed	Soviet Union	fighter trainer spy	MiG-21Bis/MF/M MiG-21UM/US MiG-21R	100 14 10
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum	Soviet Union	fighter trainer	MiG-29 A/B MiG-29UB	14 2
Ground-Attack Aircraft
Soko J-20 Kraguj	Yugoslavia	counterinsurgency	J-20	40
Soko J-21 Jastreb	Yugoslavia	attack trainer reconnaissance	J-21 NJ-21 IJ-21	108 17 36
Soko J-22 Orao	Yugoslavia	attack trainer reconnaissance	J-22/J-22A NJ-22/NJ-22B IJ-22 INJ-22	53 34 25 12
Transport and Liaison Aircraft
Antonov An-2 Colt	Poland	cargo aircraft	An-2TD	5
Antonov An-12 Cub	Soviet Union	cargo aircraft	An-12	2
Antonov An-26 Curl	Soviet Union	cargo aircraft	An-26B	18
Yakovlev Yak-40 Codling	Soviet Union	VIP aircraft	Yak-40	6
Dassault Falcon 50	France	VIP aircraft	Falcon 50	2
Learjet 25	United States	VIP aircraft	Learjet 25	4
Dornier Do-28 Skyservant	Germany	transport aircraft	Do-28D	4
Firefighting aircraft
Canadair CL-215 Scooper	Canada	firefighting aircraft	CL-215	4
Trainer Aircraft
Soko G-2 Galeb	Yugoslavia	fighter-bomber/trainer	G-2	131
Lola Utva 75	Yugoslavia	trainer aircraft	V-53	138
Soko G-4 Super Galeb	Yugoslavia	fighter-bomber/trainer	G-4	88
Attack Helicopters
Aérospatiale/SOKO SA-341/342 Gazelle Gama	France/ Yugoslavia	attack helicopter	HN-42M < HN-45M	52 48
Transport and Utility Helicopters
Mil Mi-8 Hip	Soviet Union	transport helicopter	Mi-8T	93
Aérospatiale SA-316 Alouette III	France	light utility helicopter	SA-316	2
Aérospatiale/SOKO SA-341/342 Gazelle	France/ Yugoslavia	utility helicopter reconnaissance helicopter utility helicopte ambulance helicopter	HO-42 HI-42 HO-45 HS-45	56 21 25 5
ASW Helicopter
Mil Mi-14 Haze	Soviet Union	antisubmarine helicopter	Mi-14PL	4
Kamov Ka-28 Helix	Soviet Union	antisubmarine helicopter	Ka-28	2
Kamov Ka-25 Hormone	Soviet Union	antisubmarine helicopter	Ka-25BSsh	6

Aircraft Gallery

JRV F-84G Thudnderjet during military exercise Sloboda 71 (Freedom 71).	JRV F-86D Sabre Dog in-flight.	MiG-21M (L-15) fighter aircraft.	JRV MiG-21 firing at ground target.	Soko Oraos flying tandem.	Soko J-22 Orao pilots after completing a mission, 1983.
MiG-29 108 seen rolling past the Super Galebs of Letece Zvezde demo team.	G-2 Galeb (N-60) aircraft protoype No.23003	Soko J-21 Jastreb apron.	Soko Orao landing parachute deployed.	A pair of Super Galebs above the Panonian plain.	JRV tested a few Alouette III
A flight of SOKO/Aérospatiale SA 341/SA 342 Gazelles.	JRV purchased four Learjet 25s special missions aircraft.	Ka-25 anti-submarine helicopter.	JRV also had a CL-215 equipped fire fighting squadron.	The PVO (Protivvazdušna Odbrana - Air Defence) SA-3 Neva missile.	MiG-21 pilots posing for a unit shot.
Antonov an-12	Soko J-20 Kraguj Pilot in the 1970s	Soko J-22 Orao ground attack aircraft

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)

Notes

Air Forces from the Former Yugoslavia

• Air Force of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia / Serbia and Montenegro
  • Serbian Air Force
• Croatian Air Force and Defence
• Macedonian Air Force
• Slovenian Air Force
• Republika Srpska Air Force

SFRY Air Force in popular culture

One Aérospatiale Gazelle with SFRY Air Force markings was in a Coca-Cola animated commercial which was a parody of the Grand Theft Auto game series. At the very end of the commercial a helicopter is seen passing over the screen with troops jumping out. The helicopter has a very clear SFR Yugoslav roundel on its side, and even the Flag of Yugoslavia painted across the tail. As soon as this detail was noted in media services in the Balkans, the part of the commercial with the helicopter was edited out.1

See also

v • d • e Yugoslav People's Army Leadership Commander-in-chief · Secretary of Defense · Chief of the General Staff Branches Ground Forces Navy Air Force and Air Defence Territorial Defense Personel Ranks

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: SFR Yugoslav Air Force and Air Defence

• Former Yugoslavia
• Željava Air Base
• Slatina Air Base
• Balkan Air Force
• Glasnik RV i PVO
• Krila Armije
• Leteće Zvezde