The Republika Srpska Air Force (, ) was the air force of Republika Srpska.

History In May 1992, the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS), with the support of the Federal Yugoslav Air Force, quickly established its own air force at Banja Luka. The Republika Srpska Air Force provided support to VRS units fighting against Bosniak and Croat forces during Operation Corridor 92, linking Yugoslavia with the Bosnian Serb-held areas around Banja Luka.

Even after the United Nations imposed a no-fly zone in Bosnia in 1992, the Republika Srpska Air Force continued conducting combat sorties, while ground crews kept combat aircraft airworthy in late 1992. While all warring factions in the Bosnian War, including the VRS, avoided employing fighter aircraft between 1993 and 1994, they made extensive use of helicopters for resupply missions.

Structure

1992–1995 According to Tim Ripley, the order of battle in 1995 was:

Banja Luka International Airport 92nd Air Brigade 238th Fighter Squadron 5× Soko G-4 Super Galeb 10× Soko J-21 Jastreb 9× Soko J-22 Orao ?× Soko G-2 Galeb 92nd Multi-role Squadron UTVA 75, UTVA 66, Piper PA-18 Super Cub Zalužani 11th Helicopter Regiment 16× Soko Gazelle (SA-341H/342L variants) 18× Mil Mi-8

Post-1995 According to Jane's, the Republika Srpska Air Force had a total of 14,000 personnel in 2003, while its aircraft inventory was limited by international peace treaties to 21 fixed-wing combat aircraft. Jane's also estimated that 30 helicopters and several light aircraft were in service in 2003.

Inventory In 2004, the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated that the Republika Srpska Air Force had 19 fixed-wing combat aircraft, 33 helicopters, and 2 UTVA 75 trainers.

Aircraft Origin Role Number Notes Combat Soko J-22 Orao Yugoslavia Attack 7 Soko J-21 Jastreb Yugoslavia Attack 11 2 IJ-21s were used for reconnaissance and 3 NJ-21s were also used for training. Soko G-4 Super Galeb Yugoslavia Attack 1 Also used for training. Helicopter Soko Gazelle France / Yugoslavia Attack 22 SA-342 built under license. HO-42, HO-45, and HN-45M variants used. Mil Mi-8 Soviet Union Utility 11 Trainer UTVA 75 Yugoslavia Utility 2

Gallery

References