Air force aims to reverse years of decline and give its pilots more flying time thanks to government cash injection
The Serbian air force hopes to treble the average number of flying hours logged by its pilots this year, with a fresh injection of funds and aircraft overhauls also intended to reverse 15 years of decay caused by past Balkan conflicts.
Highlighting the difficulties caused by Serbia's international isolation in the lead up to and aftermath of NATO's Allied Force campaign in 1999, commander-in-chief Maj Gen Dragan Katanic says: "Last year was the final time to do something about the air force. The government has understood our needs and secured €30 million [$38.8 million] for repairs and overhauls."
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Additional fuel supplies will increase Serbian use of the G4 Super Galeb |
Katanic says this will enable the air force to control Serbia's airspace through the return to service of five RSK MiG-29 fighters by 2008 (Flight International, 9-15 January). "This is now performed with MiG-21s that are not up to the task in all situations," he adds.
The air force hopes to achieve an average of 30-40 flying hours per pilot this year, marking a continued improvement from 6h in 2005 and 13h last year. "We have secured additional quantities of jet fuel, and things are getting better," says Katanic. The service also launched structural reforms leading to Serbia's recent inclusion within NATO's Partnership for Peace framework, and will this year build on recent training co-operation with the US Air Force.
Following Montenegro's May 2006 vote for independence from Serbia, Belgrade lost access to its former air force academy at Podgorica, and to most of its serviceable Soko G4 Super Galeb jet trainers. A new unit at Batajnica has assumed the task of pilot training, but Katanic warns that activities could be cut if funds are not allocated to overhaul additional G4s.
Procurement activities include selecting search-and-rescue equipment for up to four overhauled helicopters, and a new turboprop trainer will be required if the indigenous Lasta project fails to advance. Studies leading to a competition for a new combat aircraft will also start this year or during 2008, Katanic says.
Source: Flight International
