Croatian Air Force

Croatian Air Force
Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo
Emblem of the Croatian Air Force
Founded	12 December 1991; 32 years ago (1991-12-12)
Country	Croatia
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Size	1,310[1]
Part of	Croatian Armed Forces
Headquarters	Pleso Air Base
Motto(s)	"They Watch and Sail the Croatian Sky"
Anniversaries	December 12th
Engagements	Croatian War of Independence  • Siege of Dubrovnik  • Operation Maslenica  • Operation Winter '94  • Operation Flash  • Operation Storm Bosnian War  • Operation Mistral 2 ISAF / RSM KFOR
Website	www.morh.hr/en/
Commanders
Current commander	Brigadier General Michael Križanec
Notable commanders	General Imra Agotić Brigadier General Rudolf Perešin
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Flag
Aircraft flown
Fighter	Rafale
Helicopter	Mi-171, UH-60, OH-58, Bell 206
Trainer	Z 242, PC-9
Transport	CL-415, AT-802

The Croatian Air Force (Croatian: Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo or HRZ) is a branch of the Croatian Armed Forces tasked primarily with safeguarding the sovereignty of Croatian airspace and providing aviation support to other branches during joint operations. Prior to a 2018 decision by the Croatian Parliament, the HRZ was responsible for the integrated air defense system of Croatia. However, Air Defense (PZO) was subsequently transferred to the Croatian Army.^[2]

The mission of HRZ is to monitor and protect the airspace of the Republic of Croatia, participate in joint and international NATO/UN/EU-led military operations, and implement operations to provide assistance to civil institutions in the country.