EUFOR Tchad/RCA (2008–2009)
81-559: Special Forces Command may refer to a number of military units, including: Special Forces Command (Croatia) Special Forces Command (Cyprus) Special Forces Command (Germany) Special Forces Command (Sweden) Special Forces Command (Switzerland) Special Forces Command (Turkey) See also [ edit ] Special Operations Command (disambiguation) Special Warfare Command (disambiguation) Special Forces Group (disambiguation) [REDACTED] Topics referred to by
162-441: A German company E.I.S. Aircraft GmBH in 2017. After a horrible fire season during the summer of 2007 (12 firefighters lost their lives on a small island of Kornati ), Croatia agreed to buy two new Canadair CL-415 and five Air Tractor AT-802 water bombers . These joined a fleet of four relatively new amphibians already in service. The entire deal was projected at $ 70 million. By making such an acquisition, Croatia became
243-651: A cost-saving measure, a decision was made to again overhaul seven serviceable airframes already in service and supplement them with five additional airframes from Ukrspecexport . On August 5, 2024 MiG-21 flew in an honorary flight over the Knin Fortress , as part of the celebration of the 29th anniversary of the Operation Storm , to a well-deserved retirement. Chief of the General Staff Tihomir Kundid said that with this flyover,
324-464: A decision on the procurement of 12 F-16 C/D Barak Block 30 aircraft from Israel for 2.9 billion kunas (around 420 million euros ). Besides 12 jets, the deal included two flight simulators , training for its pilots and maintenance staff in Israel , aircraft weapons, a package of spare parts and equipment for ground support, infrastructure construction and adaptation, and three years of support, including
405-561: A different variety of missions: 1st Special Operations Company specialized for airborne and pathfinder operations, 2nd Special Operations Company specialized for alpine and mountain operations, 3rd Special Operations Company specialized for naval and amphibious operations, 4th Special Operations Company specialized for urban and anti-terrorist operations and Fire Support Company specialized for sniper and mortar training and fire support with snipers to other four BSD companies. The Special Operations Battalion reorganization and transformation into
486-561: A large portion of the fleet was modernised or completely overhauled, and the rest of the outdated fleet was retired. Croatia also acquired new-build transport helicopters, fire-fighting aircraft and basic training aircraft during this time. Despite initial plans to replace the MiG-21 fleet with a multirole aircraft in 2013 (delayed from 2011 due to the financial crisis) and an official tender having been issued in 2008, ongoing budgetary constraints have resulted in an abandonment of these plans. As
567-654: A part of the forces grouped in the Commando Company which carries out operations independently or as part of other operational forces. The support element is the holder of all forms of administrative and logistical support that are necessary for the daily functioning, life and work of the CROSOFCOM, and if necessary strengthens the Special Forces Group with the necessary support elements such as EOD specialists, K9 handlers etc. The training element
648-510: A partial payment for an old Russian debt. The order itself was worth $ 66 million. The new type differs from the ones already in service in having a cargo ramp instead of clamshell doors, larger side doors, flare dispensers, additional armour around the cockpit and cargo compartment, night vision device equipment, door gunner posts, rocket launchers etc. The entire squadron of 10 helicopters entered service by July 2008. Two additional VIP helicopters were planned for 2009 but their acquisition
729-426: A squadron of seven Mi-24V helicopters in 2005 due to a costly modernisation. Plans to sell six Mi-24s to Georgia had been abandoned by the end of 2006 under political pressure from Russia. Another attempt in 2015 to sell seven Mi-24Vs to the highest bidder failed and the remaining Croatian Hinds ended their life in storage and public display. The role of an armed support helicopter was taken over by new Mi-171s but
810-461: A two-stage modernisation in 2004 and 2007. They were fitted with NATO-standard navigational and communication equipment, additional systems for loading/unloading and flare dispensers. They had performed humanitarian and paratrooper missions as well as supporting Croatia's international military commitments such as for ISAF and KFOR . Due to budget limitations both aircraft have been offered for sale. In 2024 both An-32 were donated to Ukraine. In
891-555: A year later. The deal was worth around $ 100 million. They are also operated by the national aerobatic team called Krila Oluje / Wings of Storm . The fleet size and facilities at Zemunik airbase allow the Croatian Air Force to offer advanced pilot training to other countries but the lack of HUDs , HOTAS and weapon stations on Croatia's PC-9Ms, however, limits the usefulness of Croatia's advanced training programme. 6 PC-9M were offered for sale in 2014, 3 were sold to
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#1732772575516972-414: Is also carried out. Flight training includes basic, navigation, basic instrument, night, group, advanced instrument, dedicated and basic NVG flying. During late 2007, five new Zlín Z 242L basic trainers were acquired in order to replace a fleet of seven old UTVA 75s (four had already been retired previously). The deal was worth just under $ 2 million. An option for three additional basic trainers
1053-573: Is completed (i.e., return the jets to factory conditions). Croatian government officials stated that Croatia will only accept planes that were agreed upon in the tender. On 27 December 2018, the United States Congress gave the go ahead to complete the arms deal under the condition that the planes are returned to factory conditions. On 29 December 2018, Večernji list reported that the Croatian government unofficially bailed out of
1134-484: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Special Forces Command (Croatia) NATO Response Force (2017–present) EU NAVFOR Somalia (2021–present) The Croatian Special Operations Forces Command ( Croatian : Zapovjedništvo specijalnih snaga OSRH ) is one of the three independent commands of the Croatian Armed Forces , subordinate to
1215-617: Is in support of the CAF chain of command in the planning and implementation of special operations, preparation and training of forces, strengthening the command at the strategic and operational level and performing other tasks of interest to the functioning of the CAF. The operational element consists of the Special Forces Groups, one ground group (SO(L)TG) and one naval group (SO(M)TG), intended for planning and implementation of special operations, independently without support or with
1296-518: Is the holder of Special Forces training, which includes selection and the qualification course, and training of advanced skills to Special Operations Forces operatives. Croatian Air Force The Croatian Air Force ( Croatian : Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo or HRZ ) is the aerial warfare branch of the Croatian Armed Forces . It is tasked primarily with safeguarding the sovereignty of Croatian airspace and providing aviation support to other branches during joint operations. The mission of HRZ
1377-691: Is the spare parts for these helicopters and the imminent replacement is necessary. Croatia received a total of 16 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters from the US Army in 2016. The donation of the rotorcraft was worth $ 14.5 million, and covered the acquisition of 16 Kiowa Warrior examples, three simulators and spares. Training of Croatian instructors and maintenance personnel was valued at $ 3.8 million and provided by certified civilian contractors under US funding. In 2020 Croatian Air Force has achieved full operational capability for AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on its OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters after first ordering
1458-487: Is to monitor and protect the airspace of the Republic of Croatia , participate in joint and international NATO/UN/EU-led military operations, and implement operations to provide assistance to civil institutions in the country. Today, the Croatian Air Force has 1,500 members, of which about 200 are pilots . The share of women is 13.44%. The Croatian Air Force as it is known today was established on 12 December 1991, during
1539-956: The Army of Republika Srpska ( Croatian: Vojska Republike Srpske – VRS ) from the western parts of the Livanjsko polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina . Elements of the HGZ also saw action along the Novska - Okučani axis of advance in the HV 's Operation Flash offensive that took place in western Slavonia in early May 1995. By this time, the HGZ also commanded its own artillery and Mil Mi-24 helicopter gunships , in addition to Mil Mi-8 transport helicopters . The HGZ redeployed west of Livno once again in early June to take part in Operation Leap 2 , extending
1620-544: The Army of the Republic of Serb Krajina ( ARSK ). The ARSK was protecting the northern approaches to Knin − the capital of the unrecognized Republic of Serbian Krajina − which Croatia claimed as part of its own territory. As the two brigades turned over the positions north and west of Bosansko Grahovo to the HV 81st Guards Battalion, the 1. HGZ was deployed to the rear of the battalion, tasked with intervening in case of any VRS attack towards Bosansko Grahovo . On
1701-732: The Bosnian Serb capital of Banja Luka . In October, the 1. HGZ also participated in Operation Southern Move , which captured the town of Mrkonjić Grad , and reached the southern slopes of Mount Manjača , 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of Banja Luka . During the Croatian War of Independence , 75 members of Zrinski Battalion , 1. HGZ and other special forces units of the Croatian Army were killed in action , 286 were wounded and 2 are MIA . The 1. HGZ
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#17327725755161782-575: The Croatian Army ( Croatian: Hrvatska vojska - HV ) established in Kumrovec on May 18, 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence . On May 18, 1991, the Zrinski Battalion was established as a special forces unit of the ZNG . The core of the unit consisted of 27 volunteers drawn from the 300-strong Kumrovec Special Police Unit ( Kumrovec SPU ) with the addition of two members from
1863-566: The Croatian Army to the 1. HGZ ( Croatian: 1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug ) in April 1994. The Zrinski Battalion was deployed for the first time on June 15, 1991. It was stationed in Vukovar , tasked with the preparation of city defences and organization and training of volunteer troops in Vukovar in June, 1991. In August Filipović took over command of the battalion from Roso. The same month,
1944-922: The Croatian Ministry of Defence announced it had restarted the MiG-21 replacement procurement program, and issued a request for proposals for up to 12 aircraft to five countries: Greece, Israel and the United States for the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon , Sweden for the Saab JAS 39 Gripen , and South Korea for the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle . In October 2017, the Ministry announced it had received four letters of intent for up to 18 aircraft from
2025-670: The Croatian War of Independence . The cornerstone of the Croatian Air Force was the establishment of an aviation group at the Command of the National Guard Corps . The basic idea was to gather pilots and other airmen who had left the JNA , to provide professional assistance to the ZNG units, and to create a unified system of ground observation, reporting and air defence of the Republic of Croatia. On October 17, 1990, an air combat group
2106-746: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia , whose mission is to ensure the combat readiness of the special operations forces for operations in defense of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Croatia and to participate in NATO and coalition-led operations. The Croatian Special Operations Forces Command was created from the Special Operations Battalion ( BSD ) which existed until December 2014, when in accordance with
2187-478: The HV : Frankopan Battalion, Ban Jelačić Battalion, Matija Vlačić Battalion, Ferdo Sučić Battalion, Alpha Battalion and parts of 8th Light Assault Brigade of the Croatian Military Police forming the 1st Croatian Guards Brigade ( Croatian: 1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug ), a component of the 1st Croatian Guards Corps ( Croatian: 1. hrvatski gardijski zbor ), directly subordinated to
2268-584: The Kumrovec SPU was transferred to Sljeme Peak north of Zagreb leaving Kumrovec base to the Zrinski Battalion , as well as the second special forces unit, the Frankopan Battalion. Over the course of the war following additional recruitment and training of volunteers the unit reached the size of a company and at most had around 150 members. The unit suffered 26 KIA before being amalgamated with other special forces units of
2349-499: The Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit . Initially, it relied on former French Foreign Legion troops of Croatian origin. The most senior among the former legionnaires was Ante Roso, previously a Sous-Officier (non-commissioned officer – NCO) in the 4th Foreign Regiment . In consequence, Roso was tasked with setting up the unit as its initial commander. Major Miljenko Filipović, likewise a former French Foreign Legion NCO ,
2430-680: The Ministry of Defence rather than the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia . The 1.HGZ took part in several important battles of the Croatian War of Independence and the Bosnian War . In late November and December 1994, it participated in Operation Winter '94 , the joint offensive of the HV and the Croatian Defence Council ( Croatian: Hrvatsko vijeće obrane - HVO ) which pushed
2511-672: The Zrinski Battalion went to Banovina , where it pushed the Croatian Serb forces out of the town of Hrvatska Kostajnica . In September, the battalion was deployed to Gospić , where it took part in the battle of Gospić against the JNA . Troops assigned to the battalion captured Kaniža barracks in Gospić . During combat in Gospić , 30 troops of the Zrinski Battalion , assisted by Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit , captured JNA Major General Trajče Krstevski along with three BOV Armoured Personnel Carriers ( APCs ) and 32 soldiers. The unit
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2592-470: The salient that had been created in late 1994 towards Bosansko Grahovo and Glamoč . The unit participated in the capture of those towns in late July, 1995 during Operation Summer '95 . In preparation for Operation Storm , the HV 4th Guards and 7th Guards Brigades were pulled back from positions facing the VRS that had been established during Operation Summer '95 and were repositioned south towards
2673-528: The 275th Electronic Warfare Company to form the 350th Military Intelligence Battalion . The elements of the 1st Croatian Guards Corps which were tasked with security of the President of Croatia and ceremonial duties were reorganized and the Honor Guard Battalion was established. The Special Operations Battalion consisted of one command section and five companies, each specialized for
2754-485: The CROSOFCOM followed in mid 2019 which saw an additional creation of three new Special Forces Groups, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Special Forces Groups respectively. Alongside the CROSOFCOM reorganization, the 194th Multipurpose Helicopter Squadron of the 91st Wing of the Croatian Air Force , stood up the 3rd Special Operations Aviation Platoon which will support the CROSOFCOM with its Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters until
2835-427: The Croatian Air Force. Armaments and equipment for the Croatian Air Force were purchased abroad in secret operations – namely, it was forbidden to export weapons to the territory of the former Yugoslavia affected by the war – they were purchased abroad; in the first place, Soviet-made combat aircraft were acquired for the handling of which Croatian pilots and technical personnel were trained during their earlier service in
2916-600: The Croatian Special Operations Forces Command (CROSOFCOM) in February 2015. The goal of the reorganization was the creation of interoperable and quickly deployable special operations forces that would be able to respond to current and future security challenges adequately. In early February 2015, the Croatian Special Operations Forces Command was established, then consisting of five organizational units. A subsequent reorganization of
2997-414: The Croatian Special Operations Forces Command was completed in February 2015. The Special Operations Forces Command combines capabilities through four complementary elements: command, operational, support and training elements. The command element prepares and directs individuals, units and commands to operations / special operations or activities that have the character of operations. The command element
3078-534: The French". He did not want to reveal in detail what types of ordnance the planes would be armed with. Križanec stated that the Rafale will be accompanied by "a complete set of weapons for all types of defensive and offensive tasks" for "all types of ranges" and confirmed that cruise missiles are being procured. Križanec claims that the Croatian Air Force will reach its initial operational capability on Rafale as early as
3159-482: The JNA. The first 3 fighter planes were flown to air bases under the supervision of the Croatian authorities by former JRZ pilots: Danijel Borović, Ivica Ivandić and Ivan Selak. One source claims that the procurement of aircraft for the Croatian Air Force was carried out through Ukraine. In late 1993 and early 1994, 40 MIG-21 aircraft produced between 1972 and 1980 were acquired from the former Central Asian republics of
3240-477: The MiG-21 goes down in history, and its era ends and a new era of the Rafale begins. The Croatian Air Force was the last European and NATO user of the MiG-21 aircraft. For a short period Croatian airspace will be covered in cooperation with partner countries, Italy and Hungary . After more than 10 years in the Croatian service and great success in Operation Storm , the government finally decided to retire
3321-524: The US government through the allocation of a US$ 53 million grant. Banožić said there were plans to procure another eight Black Hawk helicopters. In 2024 Croatia has officially purchased eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, bringing the country’s Black Hawk fleet total to 12. Although the MiG-21 was perceived as an outdated fighter by the Croatian Air Force even in the late 1990s, budget constraints have been continuously deferring any final decision on
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3402-563: The USSR, of which 24 were included in the squadrons and 16 were used as spare parts supplies. In mid-1993, 15 Mil Mi-24 fighter helicopters were acquired. Other sources claim that the procurement of weapons and aircraft - including transport helicopters of Soviet origin - was carried out in covert operations through connections in Russia. Part of the dealings was also to man Mi-24 combat helicopters with Russian pilots as Croatian Air Force didn't have
3483-484: The Ukrainian firm Ukrspecexport will provide Croatia with 8 single-seat and 4 twin-seat upgraded MiG-21 aircraft. Due to their condition only 7 of these will be refurbished Croatian air frames and the remaining 5 will be used aircraft which are owned by Ukrspecexport. These were to remain in service until the end of 2022 and the decision on the replacement fighter type was to be made by the end of 2019. In July 2017,
3564-456: The United States, Israel and Greece offering various F-16 variants, as well as Sweden offering an unknown Saab JAS 39 Gripen variant. South Korea did not place a bid in the tender. In November 2017, Croatian media announced the offers from Sweden for the Saab JAS 39 Gripen and Israel for a mixed-fleet of A/B and C/D General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants had been downselect from
3645-432: The acquisition of a new fighter type. As Croatia was no longer facing any military threat, serious talks were started with Israeli firms to extensively upgrade the fleet of 24 MiG-21bis/UM fighters to a "Lancer 3" standard instead of buying a completely new combat aircraft. Although the initial information suggested that such a decision was practically final, no agreement was reached. By late 2002 all 24 MiG-21s were reaching
3726-459: The aircraft, it will cover weapon systems, spare parts, logistics and training. Croatia received the first of twelve Dassault Rafale combat aircraft from France on 2 October, during a ceremony at the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace: AAE) base at Mont-de-Marsan. On 25 April 2024, 6 of the 12 Dassault Rafale fighters landed at Pleso Air Base , marking a great leap in
3807-557: The arrival of new UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters in 2022. The anniversary day of the Croatian Special Operations Forces Command is honored to the organization and the formation of the first special forces unit of the Croatian Armed Forces - the Zrinski Battalion , established on May 18, 1991. The Zrinski Battalion ( Croatian: Bojna Zrinski ) was the first special forces unit of the Croatian National Guard ( Croatian: Zbor narodne garde – ZNG ) and later of
3888-611: The battalion took part in Operation Tiger - aimed at lifting of the Siege of Dubrovnik . In 1993, elements of the Zrinski Battalion took part in Operation Maslenica , fighting in the area of Škabrnja . The Central Intelligence Agency assessed the Zrinski Battalion as one of the best units of the HV . On 25 February 1994, the Zrinski Battalion was amalgamated with parts of other special forces units of
3969-522: The capabilities as Yugoslav People's Army before the war didn't have such weapon systems part of it armed forces. During 1995, in the decisive liberation actions of the Croatian Armed Forces, the Croatian Air Force proved that it had become an important combat component of the Croatian Armed Forces. At that time, among other things, airspace protection actions, assault operations and landings of infantry units were carried out After 2003,
4050-574: The capabilities of aerial warfare for Croatia. According to the commander of the Croatian Air Force Michael Križanec, the planes have the same standard of equipment and capabilities as the French. He noted that the planes, as far as the main combat systems, such as the one for self-protection, are completely identical to the French ones, and that the Croatian Rafale can, as he stated, "use and fire all types of weapons like
4131-540: The defenders of Vukovar and carried out attacks on enemy positions during the battle of Vukovar with improvised bombs (the so-called boiler bomb), inflicting great moral and material losses on the JNA and the rebel Serbs. The first combat operations are carried out with ultralight aircraft, which, armed with eight bombs of 3-4 kg caliber, of domestic design, attack from low altitudes at dusk or at night. Combat operations are also carried out by UTVA 75 aircraft, which are armed with four M79 Osa and various bombs. The attack
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#17327725755164212-542: The draft of the strategic defence review, the Croatian government announced that no new tactical transport aircraft would be purchased before 2020 leaving Croatia reliant on its NATO partners for fixed-wing transport. Pilot training is conducted on several types of aircraft. Croatia has ordered ten Bell 206B-3 JetRangers , worth $ 15 million with training and support, for initial-entry helicopter pilot training in its air force in 1996. Since being delivered in 1997 two were lost in accidents. Training of pilots from other countries
4293-496: The end of 2025. The protection of the sovereignty of Croatian airspace is carried out by Croatian Rafale multirole fighter jets, but temporarily the Rafale don't participate in Quick Reaction Alert so as not to affect the intensity of pilot training and flight safety. This task will be temporarily carried out from air bases of neighboring allied countries Italy and Hungary. Previous notable aircraft operated were
4374-472: The end of their service lives and it was decided that the fleet be overhauled and lightly upgraded in Romania . A first squadron of 12 aircraft was therefore sent for 10-year life prolongation repair to Aerostar after which the second squadron was to follow. But after the first squadron arrived to Croatia, no further moves were made in order to revamp the second squadron. As the fleet of 12 overhauled MiG-21s
4455-417: The entire attack helicopter squadron is to be revived in 2015 with the acquisition of up to 16 OH-58D . The helicopter fleet was equipped mainly with Russian-built Mi-17s and its derivates. The fleet included three Mi-8 and 11 Mi-8MTV-1 (also known as Mi-17-1V) cargo helicopters, which underwent overhauls between 2003 and 2005. A batch of 6 Mi-8MTV-1 underwent an overhaul again in 2013 and 2014, while
4536-501: The first department fell under the Croatian Air Force, and the second remained with the guardsmen. The most important was the independent air platoon Osijek, founded on October 8, 1991 by one of the "fathers" of the Croatian Air Force and a hero of the Homeland War, Marko Živković, who was killed in action on December 2, 1991 with the rest of the aircraft crew. The Independent Air Platoon Osijek supplied weapons and medical supplies to
4617-602: The four received letters of intent. According to reports, the US bid was dismissed for being too expensive, and the F-16 Block 30 offered by Greece was dismissed for being too outdated. Further reports insinuate the Israeli offer is leading for being most price-competitive, as well as opening up additional opportunities for defence cooperation. On 29 March 2018, the Croatian Government unanimously adopted
4698-500: The last significant Army of the Republic of Serb Krajina pocket in the area of Donji Lapac and Srb , alongside the three guards brigades and special police forces . In September 1995, the HGZ took part in Operation Mistral 2 , which extended HV and Croatian Defence Council control in western Bosnia and Herzegovina and captured the towns of Jajce , Šipovo and Drvar , moving the confrontation line north towards
4779-461: The leading power in aerial firefighting on the Mediterranean in respect to its population and surface. The Croatian Air Force holds a world record of 160 water drops by a single crew on a single day, representing an average of one drop every three minutes for the duration of eight hours. In 2006, a deal to deliver 10 new Mi-171Sh transport-attack helicopters was signed with Russia, itself
4860-535: The limited capabilities of the aircraft, all flights were carried out up to 50 meters in altitude and in the greatest secrecy. Intensive training and retraining of pilots for the An-2 aircraft, which will become the basic aircraft of the Croatian Air Force, will soon begin, especially for the transport of the wounded and medical supplies. Later, as the war progressed, MiG-21 fighter jets , Mi-24 combat helicopters , and Mi-8 and Mi-17 transport helicopters became part of
4941-574: The missiles in 2017. During a training flight over the Adriatic Sea in 2020, a Croatian OH-58D struck the water and two pilots lost their lives. Croatia has so far procured a total of four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters as part of a project for the equipment of the Croatian Armed Forces, which started in December 2018 in cooperation with the US government . The first two helicopters were donated by
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#17327725755165022-661: The personnel of the Zrinski Battalion were transferred to set up another special forces unit of the HV - the Matija Vlačić Battalion based in Opatija . In 1992, elements of the Zrinski Battalion took part in the Battle of Kupres , before setting up a training camp in the town of Tomislavgrad . There the battalion personnel assisted in setting up and training the Croatian Defence Council ( Croatian: Hrvatsko vijeće obrane - HVO ). Later that year, elements of
5103-472: The pilots transferred to the Croatian Air Force, and the paratroopers remained as a sabotage group within the 4th Guards Brigade . A total of 24 fighters passed through the Sinj group; 5 were killed, one was missing (fighting on Kupres), two died, and during the war four of them suffered serious wounds. From the beginning of the war until February 7, 1992, the platoon operated with the 4th Guards Brigade, when
5184-525: The presence of Israeli instructors in Croatia. The first two jets were expected to be delivered in 2020, and the rest by 2022. On 6 December 2018, Israeli media reported that the Trump administration halted the arms deal citing Israel's refusal to comply with the U.S. arms transfer guidelines. According to the guidelines, all modifications done to the planes need to be removed before the transfer of ownership
5265-424: The program. In September of same year the commission dealing with the acquisition had announced that they have received four official offers of acquisition; used Israeli F-16 , used French Dassault Rafale, new F-16V and new Swedish JAS Gripen C/D . Croatian Defence Minister Mario Banožić announced that the final decision will be made by the end of 2020. In late May 2021 Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced
5346-409: The provisions of the Long-Term Development Plan of the Armed Forces alongside the decree of the President of Croatia and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces , with the decision of the Minister of Defence and by the orders of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces , the process of reorganization of the Special Operations Battalion started and led to the subsequent establishment of
5427-422: The purchase of twelve used French Dassault Rafale aircraft to replace its MiG-21 fighters. Croatia has begun the process of acquiring 12 multi-role Dassault Rafale fighters (10 single-seat and 2 two-seat aircraft). Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that the purchase will significantly increase the capabilities of the Air Force. The deal is to be worth some €999 million (U.S. $ 1.2 billion) and, in addition to
5508-523: The remaining 8 units are to follow in 2014 and 2015. The Croatian Ministry of Defence was considering the option of selling all Mi-8 helicopters upon overhaul and replacing them with up to 15 UH-60L after 2017. Croatia had transferred 14 helicopters: twelve Mi-8MTV-1 and two Mi-8T, which were withdrawn from the Armed Forces of Croatia to Ukraine as part of military aid in 2023. The Croatian Air Force operated two Antonov An-32B tactical transports (built in 1991 and 1993) until 2013. Both aircraft underwent
5589-424: The same Secretariat, Neven Bazina, formed an air combat group. The commander of this group was Matko Raos, now a retired brigadier. The group expanded and operated independently until April 28, 1991, when they officially received the status of an independent air platoon as part of the newly established 4th Brigade of the Croatian National Guard. Until January 3, 1992, they were part of the 4th Brigade, after which
5670-515: The same term This disambiguation page lists articles about military units and formations which are associated with the same title. If an internal link referred you to this page, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. [REDACTED] Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special_Forces_Command&oldid=1227037688 " Category : Military units and formations disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description
5751-404: The second day of the operation, August 6, 1995 after Knin was captured by the HV , the HGZ was airlifted from the Livanjsko field to the village of Rovanjska north of Zadar . They then linked up with the 2nd Battalion Thermites of the 9th Guards Brigade and advanced east to capture the villages of Muškovac and Kaštel Žegarski . On August 8, the 1. HGZ participated in an operation against
5832-465: The support of other components of CROSOFCOM and the Croatian Armed Forces. Special Forces Groups consist of a Command with S-1 to S-6 functions, Special Operations Task Units(SOTU), and a combat support platoon with combat support elements. Special Operations Forces teams are composed of 12 members who, in accordance with their tasks, develop the ability of (separate) independent action and reorganization of up to 24 members. The operational element also has
5913-483: The tender leaving Israel and the United States to work out their dispute. On 10 January 2019, it was officially confirmed that the procurement had fallen through. The Croatian government announced that it will officially abolish the tender of 14 January 2019. On 2 April 2020, the revised program to replace MiG-21s was delayed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic . In the aftermath of Croatian parliamentary election of 2020 new-old Plenković led government continued
5994-473: Was assigned as the battalions deputy commander. The unit was based in the village of Kumrovec in the region of Hrvatsko Zagorje , on the grounds of the former " Josip Broz Tito " political school, named after this communist dictator and lifetime "president" of communist SFRJ. The site, adjacent to the border of Slovenia , was selected to be inaccessible to Yugoslav Air Force raids without violation of Slovene or possibly Austrian airspace . In June 1991,
6075-682: Was cancelled. At the Kabul air base, members of the Croatian Aviation Advisory Team conducted training and mentored Afghan helicopter pilots, aviation technicians and flight technicians on the Mi-17 helicopter. Two aircraft were deployed to Kosovo , participating in NATO peace-keeping operation. Overhaul of 10 Mi-171Sh was completed in 2017. The Mi-171Sh helicopters will have their resources expire in 2026 and 2027. A big problem
6156-500: Was considered but has not been exercised. The Croatian Air Force should receive a new training plane after one was destroyed in a tragic accident near Zadar in 2020. The backbone of the training fleet, however, is built around 14 Pilatus PC-9M advanced trainers which also constitute the most numerous type of aircraft in Croatian service. 3 former RAAF PC-9A examples were converted to PC-9M standard immediately upon delivery in 1996. 17 more were ordered in 1997 and entered full service
6237-406: Was deployed to Metković on October 28, tasked with recapturing Slano from the JNA . After the deployment to Gospić , a part of the unit personnel left to Bosnia and Herzegovina anticipating further conflict there, while the remainder of the unit returned to Kumrovec . The ZNG was renamed the Croatian Army ( Croatian: Hrvatska vojska – HV ) on November 3, 1991. In late 1991, some of
6318-643: Was disbanded in 2000 and its constituents were reorganized. A part of the HGZ was amalgamated with the Special Combat Skills Centre in Šepurine to form the Special Operations Battalion ( Croatian: Bojna za specijalna djelovanja - BSD ). The remainder of the unit was amalgamated with the Reconnaissance-Sabotage Company based in Pula , the 350th Sabotage Detachment, the 280th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Platoon, and
6399-455: Was done mainly at night, from low altitudes from the direction that is least defended. One of the most significant combat actions of UTVA 75 was the attack on the RTV transmitter Čelavac, which was temporarily disabled by this attack. UTVA 75 was hit by infantry fire on that occasion, but as there was no significant damage, the pilots safely returned from the mission. Due to the enemy's air defense and
6480-521: Was formed at the Sinj sports airport on Piket as the nucleus of the future Croatian Air Force. It was formed by the pilots of the aero-clubs of Sinj and Split; Matko Raos, Goran Kovačević, Nediljko Ivačić and Mladen Krstulović, as well as the then secretary of the Secretariat for National Defense of the Municipality of Sinj, Branimir Petričević, and the operator of material and technical means in
6561-511: Was originally planned to remain active only until late 2011, Croatia was eyeing a replacement aircraft already by late 2008. It was projected that a new type be selected by late 2009 and that the first aircraft start entering service by 2011. Such plans were put into question by the global economic crisis which severely affected the Croatian economy and in late 2010 it was officially unveiled that no new aircraft were envisaged to enter service. The Defence Ministry finally announced in June 2013 that
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