On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the founding of the Croatian Air Force, a ceremony was held at the Lučko barracks on December 12, 2024. During the event, distinguished members of the Croatian Air Force were honored with awards and promotions. The ceremony also paid tribute to the Croatian Air Force’s establishment during challenging historical times and commemorated the Croatian airmen who lost their lives during the Homeland War.
State Secretary Drago Matanović, emphasized the exceptional and irreplaceable role of the Croatian Air Force in protecting our airspace, recalling the MiG aircraft, which will soon be grounded forever: “We still remember the flights of the first MiGs into the Croatian ranks. They strengthened faith in our victory, gave hope to the Croatian people and sent a message to the world that Croatia is here and will win.” He also cited the fact that the Croatian Air Force, despite limited material resources, managed to maintain itself and develop into one of the prestigious branches of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia after the Homeland War. He also emphasized the importance and magnitude of the current project to modernize the Croatian Air Force with the arrival of the Rafale as the largest investment since the Homeland War.
Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, thanked the members of the Croatian Air Force for their dedication to protecting the airspace of the Republic of Croatia and for their daily support to the civilian community.
Major General Michael Križanec, Commander of the Croatian Air Force, emphasized the necessity of remembering and thanking the fallen predecessors, airmen, warriors and creators of the Croatian Air Force who gave their youth, health and lives for the freedom of the Republic of Croatia and the construction of the Croatian Air Force. The day before, the fallen members of the Croatian Air Force were honored by laying wreaths and lighting candles at the graves of the first commander of the Croatian Air Force, General of the Corps Imre Agotić, the former commander of the Croatian Air Force, Lieutenant General Josip Čuletić, and pilots Rudolf Perešin, Marko Živković, Mirko Vukušić, and Antun Radoš at the Zagreb City Cemetery Mirogoj.
The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Republic of Croatia and the Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović.
