On 18 August the Defence Minister Mario Banožić visited the Barracks “Pukovnik Mirko Vukušić” at Zemunik alongside the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Siniša Jurković, where he was briefed on the situation, achievements and priority tasks of the Croatian Air Force. The presentation of the Croatian Air Force was also attended by the Commander of the General Staff Operations Centre, Major General Krešo Tuškan.

Minister Banožić emphasised that the procurement of multi-role fighter aircraft was of strategic importance for the Republic of Croatia: “I believe that this is crucial for the further development of the Croatian Air Force and the security of the Republic of Croatia, but also for the stability of this part of Europe.” The members of the Croatian Air Force have taken part in various activities, and particularly in the firefighting season, which has in its first phase been harder than the past.

Minister Banožić appreciated the Croatian Air Force for their engagement and emphasised the importance of professional and responsible action in future operation. The Ministry of Defence’s mission is to invest efforts to provide quality living and working conditions for the personnel, who in turn are responsible for safe and effective implementation of the entrusted tasks.  Lt. Gen.  Siniša Jurković congratulated and appreciated the members of the Croatian Air Force for the commendable implementation of the broad spectrum of tasks assigned to them.  “You have displayed readiness and efficiency in your missions and tasks. Keep your persistence, concentration and responsibility, and promote the honour and work ethic”, said General Jurković. The Commander of the Croatian Air Force, Brigadier General Michael Križanec, briefed the Minister about the achievements and priorities of the Croatian Air Force in 2020. During the visit to Zemunik Minister toured the squadrons and the accommodation facilities in the Barracks, and also visited the Multinational Special Aviation Program (MSAP TC), and was briefed on its activities by the Director, Lt. Colonel Tomislav Pušnik.