Bosnia Herzegovina
formerly part of Yugoslavia

A brief history of the nation's air forces
You are encouraged to add to or correct historical information


The status of military avaiation in this region is still fractured.

Army of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina

Formed in 1995. The break up of the Yugoslavian Federation following president Tito's death lead to civil war in Bisnia-Herzegovina between orthodox Christian Serbs and the Moslem community. Eventually, Croatian Roman Catholics sided with the Moslems against the Serbian ambitions to maintain the federation. The Bosnia-Herzegovina developed a small air arm, initially operating ten Mi-8 helicopters and after NATO intervention in 1995, the USA provided 15 UH-1H helicopters.

This force is now merging with the Croation defence Council which aslo has a small number of Mi-8, some Mi-17 and a single Mi-34 helicopter trainer, as wll as a VIP Citation II and 4 UTVA-75 for communications.

Republika Srpska Air Force

Supported by neighbouring Serbia, the Army of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia & Herzegovina operates a small air arm (Republika Srpska Air Force), resticted by International Peace Treatu to 21 fixed wing aircraft, mainly the remnants of the former Yugoslavian Air Force's aircraft, including 6 Soko Oraos, 13 Jastreb, some Galeb and Super Galeb armed trainers. There are also 20 SA-341 Gazelle light helicopters and 10 Mi-8, as well as many light aircraft. It can be regarded as an offshoot of the Serbian Air Force.


Abstracted from and copyright of Jane's Air Forces of the World