18.09.2009.
International air show "Batajnica 2009"
Batajnica 2009 air show is a manifestation organized by the Ministry of Defense, the Serbian Armed Forces and the SAF AF & AD, as they all contributed to cherishing the tradition and marking a centennial of the Serbian aviation. This was a rare opportunity for the public to see and get acquainted with the achievements of the aviation industry, the capacities of aviation units, and the skills of our pilots on various air crafts. This event was also a strong encouragement to promoting international cooperation of the Republic of Serbia in the field of military air force. This is also a preparation for marking a grand jubilee in 2012-100 years of the Serbian aviation.The invitation for participation was sent to 14 foreign defense ministries and air forces: to Denmark, Russia, Hungary, Germany, UK, France, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, USA, Turkey and Sweden,
14 of them accepted the invitation, and top state officials of China, Norway, Portugal, Algiers and Montenegro attended the air show too.
AS for the air forces of Russia, Sweden and Montenegro, they did not reply to the invitation.
With the rebuilding of capacities and upgrading the infrastructure at Batajnica air field, the revitalization of inner roads, of facilities and of maneuver areas was also finished which made the air field completely functional, thus rising the level of flight safety.This ranks as the largest revitalization of the air field since 1999.
Furthermore, in order to boost the operability of the air field a new flight control tower was built with the help of the Flight Control Agency.
Some of the works were realized with the help of the city of Belgrade and of city public services.
A total amount of funds invested totaled 14 million RSD, while the revenues reaches 13 million.
We thank everyone who helped us organize the air show to the satisfaction of the audience or those who covered this event in the media.“Batajnica 2009” represents the largest so far rally of air force equipment in the newer history of Serbia, thus proving once again MoD and SAF’s ability to organize such complex events.
This is once again a contribution to rebuilding the repute SAF rightfully deserves and to Serbia’s path towards integrations.
