Unit Name: | Montenegrin Air Force |
Native Name: | Vazduhoplovstvo i protivvazdušna odbrana |
Start Date: | [1] |
Country: | Montenegro |
Type: | Air force |
Role: | Aerial warfare |
Size: | 11 helicopters |
Command Structure: | Montenegrin Armed Forces |
Garrison: | Podgorica |
Garrison Label: | Headquarters |
Commander1: | President Jakov Milatović |
Commander1 Label: | Commander-in-Chief |
Commander2 Label: | Commander |
Identification Symbol Label: | Roundel |
Identification Symbol 2 Label: | Fin flash |
Aircraft Helicopter: | Bell 412, Bell 505 |
The Montenegrin Air Force (Vazduhoplovstvo i protivvazdušna odbrana|italics=yes; V i PVO) is the air arm of the Military of Montenegro. The aircraft marking of the Montenegrin Air Force consist of a red-on-gold roundel, currently being the sole air arm using the latter colour in its official insignia.
In 1991–1992, Yugoslavia disintegrated, and the republics of Serbia and Montenegro established the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Air Force was renamed the Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro, (also known as the Air Force of Yugoslavia). In spring of 1999 they suffered heavy losses in NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, during the Kosovo War.[2] After years of political turmoil, Montenegro declared its independence in June 2006, bringing an end to the state union of Serbia and Montenegro.[3] [4]
Following the dissolution of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, the newly formed Republic of Montenegro was left with a considerable number of aircraft at the Golubovci airbase, more than required for its own needs. After the break-up, speculation arose regarding the division of the aircraft, but the Serbian Ministry of Defense issued a statement declaring that the eventual division of the fleet was not in either country's interest. However, a total of 11 G-4 Super Galebs, of which 8 are airworthy, were still located at the base in 2008. An official decision regarding their fate has not been made, but most likely they will not be operated by Montenegro due to expensive operating costs. The four Utva 75 trainer aircraft have a better chance to become operational, although no decision about them has been made yet.[1]
Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat helicopter | ||||||
Bell 412 | United States | utility | 412EPI | 3[5] | ||
Bell 505 | United States | utility | 2 | |||
Aérospatiale Gazelle | utility | 342 | 6 |
Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat Aircraft | ||||||
Soko G-4 | Yugoslavia | attack / jet trainer | 4 | Placed in storage in 2012 | ||
Trainer aircraft | ||||||
UTVA 75 | Yugoslavia | trainer | 4[6] | Retired from service in 2012 | ||
Helicopters | ||||||
Mil Mi-8 | transport / utility | Mi-8T | 4[7] | Retired from service in 2012 | ||
Aérospatiale Gazelle | Yugoslavia | utility / scout | 341/42 | 13 | Placed in storage in 2019[8] |