Croatian Air Force and Air Defense

The Croatia Air Force, officially known as the Croatian Air Force and Air Defense (CAFAD), was established on December 12, 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence. The CAFAD operates under the Ministry of Defense and is responsible for the defense of Croatian airspace and providing air support to the Croatian Armed Forces. The air force primarily consists of combat aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, and air defense systems. The backbone of the CAFAD is formed by a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft that includes MiG-21 fighter jets and PC-9M turboprop trainer aircraft. The rotary-wing component comprises helicopters like the Bell 206, Mi-8, and OH-58, vital for troop transport, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance missions. The air defense systems of the CAFAD consist of surface-to-air missile systems and radar installations. The primary mission of the Croatia Air Force is to safeguard the integrity of Croatian airspace and contribute to international peacekeeping operations.