During this summer, members of the Specialized Aerial Firefighting Forces were heavily engaged in extinguishing fires along the Adriatic coast, protecting people, nature, and property during the most challenging time of the year.
From the beginning of the second phase of the firefighting season, June 16 to August 25, 2025, the air forces took part in extinguishing a total of 69 wildfires. The highest number of interventions was recorded in Split-Dalmatia County (23), followed by Zadar (19), Šibenik-Knin (17), Dubrovnik-Neretva (6), Istria (3), and Lika-Senj County (1).
In addition to firefighting missions, 52 aerial reconnaissance flights were carried out along the Croatian coastline to detect risk situations on time and prevent the spread of potential fires. These operations resulted in 2,973 flights and more than 525 flight hours. A total of 14,280 tons of water were dropped, along with 12,876 liters of foam.
Croatian air forces also provided international assistance – in 2025, they were deployed eight times to help extinguish wildfires abroad. Interventions took place in Israel, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, once again demonstrating international solidarity and the high level of expertise of Croatian crews.
Colonel Darko Kučej, commander of the 855th Firefighting Squadron, emphasized that pilots and aircraft technicians operate in demanding conditions, noting that this season alone they have already logged more than 500 flight hours, underscoring the scale of their commitment and professionalism.
