The Montenegrin Air Force (; 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.
History 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. After years of political turmoil, Montenegro declared its independence in June 2006, bringing an end to the state union of Serbia and Montenegro.
Airbase
Knjaz Danilo Airbase (Podgorica Airport) – Main base of operations
No other permanent airbases exist, but temporary forward bases are established during fire season, in Niksic .
Aircraft inventory
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. In 2010 Serbia took delivery of six G-4 Super Galebs for shares in the Novi Prvoborac company, airport equipment and "various documentation". In 2012 the remaining of the Soko G-4 were placed into storage. the decision to sell them also came in 2012. Since 2018, the Montenegrin Air Force has significantly enhanced its rotorcraft fleet with the acquisition of three Bell 412 helicopters.
Current inventory AircraftOriginTypeVariantIn serviceNotes Helicopters Airbus Helicopters H145 Germany Utility H145M 4 ordered Bell 412 United States Utility 412EPI 3 Bell 505 United States Utility 2Aérospatiale GazelleFranceUnited KingdomYugoslaviaUtility3426 AircraftAir Tractor AT-802FUnited StatesFirefightingAT-802F1 4 ordered originally 4O-EAA rolled over on skadar lake on 21 July 2015 4O-EAB was damaged on November 22, 2020, near Sutomore; issue with propeller and right wing. Incorrect left wing part was ordered from Spain by AHJ officials 4O-EAC was severely damaged in June 2021 during firefighting in Berima; airframe damage deemed irreparable 4O-EAD was the only plane operational as of 2025Cessna 421United StatesPassengerCessna 421 Golden Eagle1
Retired AircraftOriginTypeVariantIn serviceNotes Combat aircraft Soko G-4 Yugoslavia Attack / Jet trainer4Placed in storage in 2012 Trainer aircraft UTVA 75 Yugoslavia Trainer 4Montenegrin Air Force [Vazdušne snage Crne Gore] at globalsecurity.org Retired from service in 2012 Firefighting aircraftPZL-Mielec M-18 DromaderPolandFirefighting / Trainer2Destroyed in a crash Second plane unknown Helicopters Mil Mi-8 Transport / Utility Mi-8T 4 Retired from service in 2012 Aérospatiale Gazelle Yugoslavia Scout / Utility 341/42 13 Placed in storage in 2019
Operational structure
Helicopter squadron (Helikopterska Eskadrila) - Knjaz Danilo Airbase
The Helicopter Squadron consists of 3 sections:
1st (Attack) Section 2nd (Transport) Section 3rd (Utility) Section
Each of the three helicopter flights has its specific task consisting of close air support, transport and utility duties.
Aircraft markings
Incidents and accidents
4O-EAC was severely damaged in June 2021 during firefighting in Berima; airframe damage deemed irreparable 4O-EAB was damaged on Nov 22, 2020, near Sutomore; issue with propeller and right wing. Incorrect left wing part was ordered from Spain by AHJ officials A SOKO SA341 Gazelle of the Montenegro Air Force Crashed in Podgorica, Montenegro. The two occupants were injured and were taken to hospital. Friday 10 June 2016 4O-EAA rolled over on skadar lake on the 21 July 2015 Three crew members died in the crash of a SOKO HS-42 Partizan military helicopter on the Luštica Peninsula, Montenegro. The helicopter hit a cliff at Boka Kotorska Bay on the Adriatic coast. The helicopter operated on a regular training flight with another helicopter. The pilot was one of the best in Montenegro, a member of Gazelle Acro Group, and a flight instructor. Friday 2 September 2011 An Utva 75 crashed on Skadar Lake. Monday 8 September 2008 Crashed on the north side of the airport shortly after take-off. Crew slightly injured. Wednesday 14 December 2005
See also
Knjaz Danilo Airbase Military of Montenegro Podgorica Airport Montenegro
References