President Milanović at Croatian Air Force Day Ceremony: Instability in the world is great and the security risk is enormous; we must take care of ourselves and our interests
“The year 2024 has been very important for the Croatian Air Force. New aircraft have arrived. In terms of significance and relevance, this year can only be compared to the early 1990s, when aircraft were brought into Croatia through what could be described as a diffuse membrane of international sanctions – or rather, the arms import embargo imposed on Croatia. After that, for nearly 30 years, the Croatian Air Force operated with the same aircraft, until this year, when modern fourth-generation aircraft began arriving. These aircraft will remain in service for many years. Such decisions and actions are carefully considered over a long time, and once a decision is made, it shapes the future for years to come,” said the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović at the ceremony celebrating Croatian Air Force Day and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force.
Extending his congratulations on the occasion of Croatian Air Force Day at the ceremony held at the “Lučko” Barracks in Lučko, President Milanović again pointed out the need for acquiring additional equipment for the Croatian Army, but also the need to staff its ranks.
“We are in constant need of everything. Above all, we need people, as they are the most valuable resource. Our Armed Forces as a whole are understaffed, with several thousand positions remaining unfilled according to the systematization. The reserve force, composed of individuals who are aging and who, after a certain age, can no longer serve, is also nearing its end. Croatia cannot function without the reserve – without thousands of members of an active reserve who are trained and prepared for some form of combat action, as well as for safeguarding the peace and freedom of our homeland. Western technology, or more specifically Western military philosophy, is grounded in the assumption that we will maintain technical, technological, tactical, and ultimately strategic superiority over our opponents. However, this was true during the police wars at the start of this century and the end of the last, but it is no longer the case. In conflicts between equal or comparable forces, unfortunately, human numbers once again play a crucial role,” said the President.
Speaking about the significant needs of the army, the President highlighted the issue of rising weapon costs. “Prices are completely out of control. Something that cost a thousand euros three years ago, such as a 155-millimeter artillery shell, now costs four to five times more when procured from Western sources. And all of this must be financed with two percent of GDP, which is growing, but at a much slower pace. These are figures we must continually discuss and reflect upon,” he said.
President Milanović also warned of instability in the world and the enormous security risk. “The world is in a more unstable state than it has ever been in my lifetime. For the past six or seven years, the leaders of Russia and America have not engaged in meaningful dialogue, and for the last three years, not at all. This has never occurred in the history of modern civilization and represents a significant security risk. The year ahead is completely uncertain and unpredictable in many ways. Things are changing, relationships are shifting, and new weapons are emerging. These developments reveal how all systems are constantly evolving, how quickly they become outdated, and how urgently new defense systems need to be developed. Amid all this, as a small nation, but one that is self-aware and relies solely on its own skin, its own head, and its own heart, we must focus on taking care of ourselves. We need to prioritize our own interests, remain constantly aware of what is happening, and strive to understand why it is happening. We must always consider these factors when making decisions and projections – whether political, security-related, or concerning participation or non-participation,” said President Milanović.
Furthermore, the President stated that he was certain those who established the Croatian state, both politically and through armed struggle, “did not envision Croatia as a country that would automatically and without much thought implement anyone’s decisions at the push of a button. Instead, they imagined a Croatia that would act sceptically in its own interest, while also being honest and loyal to those with whom it has signed alliances.” However, for this, he added, we need complete information, sound knowledge, and our own clear and focused minds, because we have a conscience.
“You are mature enough, formed enough, and ambitious enough to understand that we must constantly reflect on the context in which we live – the dynamics of powerful nations over which we have no influence. While adhering to certain codes and principles of loyalty to our allies, we must also consider what is in our own interest, as we have no direct influence on the decisions being made, not even larger countries than ours do. We observe what is happening in the Middle East, or as I prefer to call it, West Asia – completely unforeseen, terrible, and dynamic events, where one regime is replaced by perhaps an even worse one. We must approach all of this with a sharp and focused perspective – from a distance that is large enough to see clearly, yet not so close as to blur our vision,” President Milanović concluded, wishing all members of the Croatian Air Force a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.
On the occasion of Croatian Air Force Day, the President of the Republic presented decorations, promotions, and commendations to members of the Croatian Air Force. For extraordinary services to the Republic of Croatia in a state of war, in an immediate threat of war and under special circumstances in peace, Colonel Igor Šipušić was decorated with the Order of the Croatian Trefoil.
The President of the Republic has issued a Decision on the promotion of active duty officers of the Croatian Air Force. The following individuals were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel: Major Tihomir Klarić and Major Matko Rušev. The following individuals were promoted to the rank of Major: Captain Ivan Rendulić, Captain Mario Škarić, Captain Ivan Kulaš, Captain Ivan Karaula, Captain Krešimir Čenić, Captain Dejan Kujundžić, and Captain Marko Maradin.
Lieutenant Colonel Dejan Pavlović was commended by the Commander in Chief for achieving above-average results in carrying out his assigned tasks.
Among those attending the ceremony celebrating Croatian Air Force Day, in addition to President Milanović, were Major General Tihomir Kundid, Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces; Major General Michael Križanec, Commander of the Croatian Air Force; Colonel Željko Ninić, Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the Croatian Air Force; Colonel Christian Jagodić, Commander of the 91st Wing; Colonel Krešimir Ražov, Commander of the 93rd Wing; Colonel Željko Harapin, Commander of the “Rudolf Perešin” Croatian Air Force Training Centre; and the Commander of the Air Surveillance and Guidance Battalion.
President Milanović was accompanied by the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense, Ivica Olujić.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan