04.08.2025.
New issue of Odbrana Magazine released
The August issue opens with an overview of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces’ key activities in July. Following this, readers can explore the “Spotlight Interview” section, which delves into the ongoing process of modernization and equipping of Air Force and Air Defence units. The article offers valuable insights into the significance and duration of this effort. Additionally, the magazine presents important information regarding the organization and operation of these units, shared by the Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence, Major General Brane Krnjajić.
In the “Common Ground” section, we present a story about the top cadets of the Military Academy and the Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, who expressly state that this school of life has shaped them into mature individuals – but that they will feel truly proud only when they have the opportunity to serve their homeland as officers. The “System” section opens with a report on the River Flotilla, which began its summer training phase with the tactical live-fire exercise Defence 2025, held on the Danube, Begej and Tisa rivers. Upon successful completion of the exercise, the unit continued training at Zavoj Lake. There, members of the 93rd Diver Company set up camp at the Zavoj training ground to practice procedures for lifting submerged objects, while another part of the unit took exams for higher-level diver certification. The feature “Smell of Gunpowder, Tactics, and a Hit on Target” covers basic training on the M-84 machine gun, conducted as part of specialized training for soldiers in the marksman military occupational specialty. In addition, our team visited Base South, where new off-road vehicles were equipped with weapons and gear intended for Serbian Armed Forces contingent deployed in Lebanon.
In the text titled “Autonomous Weapons”, featured in the “Arsenal” section, we report on the development of new technologies – particularly those classified as emerging and disruptive – that are fundamentally transforming the relationship between humans and machines. These advancements signal a new phase in the strategy and tactics of modern warfare.
The “Education” section is enriched by two articles dedicated to the Secondary Vocational Military School “1300 Corporals” and to special forms of teaching at the Military Grammar School. These texts reveal how, after four years of schooling, students of the 52nd class were promoted to their initial NCO ranks and what lies ahead as they begin their initial duties in the Serbian Armed Forces. Additionally, readers get a glimpse of the motivation flying experience for third-year aviation track students at the Military Grammar School, held at the sports airfield “Divci”.
In the “Society” section, we highlight a story about the assistance provided by the Association of Veterans of Security Services and the Military Police to those most affected by the recent fires in southern Central Serbia. In this issue, our regular contributor, Marijana T. Mraović, writes about the history of the Monument to the Unknown Hero on Mount Avala, placing it within the broader context of efforts to overcome the Yugoslav identity crisis. At the same time, the piece reflects on the monument’s enduring presence that continues to withstand the ravages of time.
With our article “The War World of Nadežda Petrović”, we invite you to visit the Memorial Museum of Nadežda and Rastko Petrović, which has reopened to the public after nearly 40 years of silence and darkness, during which its permanent exhibition faded into obscurity. Now, it finally reveals the intimate world of two of our most distinguished artists.
The August issue of Odbrana magazine is enriched with stories from the world of culture, featuring performances by “Stanislav Binički” - the Art Ensemble of the Ministry of Defence, and an exhibition by Milica Kostić at the Central Military Club – both of which add depth and artistic value to this edition.
You can view the detailed contents of this edition at the following link: https://www.odbrana.mod.gov.rs/cir/pregled-broja/odbrana/399/801
