Serbian Air Force and Air Defence

The Serbia Air Force, officially known as the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense, is the aerial warfare branch of the Serbian Armed Forces. Established in 1912, it has a rich history and has undergone significant changes over the years. Initially a part of the Royal Serbian Army, the Air Force became an independent branch in 2006 when Serbia declared independence from Montenegro. The Air Force's primary mission is to defend Serbian airspace and support land forces in various military operations. It operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, transport planes, and reconnaissance aircraft. Notable aircraft in its inventory include the MiG-29, Su-25, and Mi-8 helicopters. The Air Force has undertaken modernization efforts, acquiring newer aircraft and upgrading existing ones. It has also collaborated with NATO nations and participated in international air exercises. Additionally, the Air Force has provided assistance in emergency situations, including firefighting and search and rescue operations.

Key facts

Official Name	Serbian Air Force and Air Defence
Local Name	Ратно ваздухопловство и противваздухопловна одбрана (Ratno vazduhoplovstvo i protivvazduhoplovna odbrana)
Country	🇷🇸 Serbia
World rank	#66
Active aircrafts	117 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	5
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	51
Training	38
Combat aircrafts	27
Transport	1

Aircrafts most used by Serbian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
SA340 Gazelle	29	French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Mirage G / G-4 / G-8	20	French experimental swing-wing fighter, designed during 1960s-1970s, never deployed operationally, evolved into several prototypes.
IAR-93 / J-22 Orao	17	Romanian-Yugoslav ground-attack aircraft, operational during the Cold War, used significantly in the Yugoslav Wars.
Lasta-95	14	Serbian training aircraft, operational from the late 20th century, utilized by Iraq and Serbia for military pilot training.
Mi-8 Hip	13	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
MiG-29 Fulcrum	13	Soviet twin-engine fighter jet, notable in late Cold War clashes, widely exported and integral to various aerial engagements globally.
H145M / EC645	5	German utility helicopter, recognized for military application and primarily used for search and rescue, medical evacuation, and troop transportation.
Mi-24 Hind	4	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
An-26 Curl	1	Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s.
G-2 Galeb	1	Yugoslavian jet trainer and light-attack aircraft, historically deployed during the Yugoslav Wars and Libyan Civil War.

Full inventory in 2024