21.08.2026.
Fighter-Bomber Squadron conducts flight training at forward operating base
Intensive flight training on the Orao attack aircraft is currently underway within the 241st Fighter -Bomber Squadron of the 98th Air Brigade, based at the Morava Air Base in Lađevci near Kraljevo. The training aims to prepare aircrews for assigned missions in all weather conditions, during both the day and night.
The objective is to maintain aircrew proficiency in providing air support to ground troops and special forces during combat operations. The current phase of training includes flight missions from a forward operating base - the Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlović Air Base in Batajnica.According to Lieutenant Colonel Saša Stojiljković, Commander of the 241st Fighter-Bomber Squadron, the flight training is designed for pilots permanently assigned to the unit, who need to upgrade their combat qualification categories.
- Considering that we are at a forward operating base, the training is more complex because we have virtually combined two tasks into one. We have successfully redeployed a portion of our technical equipment, aircraft, and squadron personnel, and we are now successfully conducting flight training at a forward operating base – the home base of our colleagues from the 204th Air Brigade - highlighted Lieutenant Colonel Stojiljković. Speaking from his own experience, Lieutenant Colonel Stojiljković says that the greatest challenge of this training segment is that it places significant strain on both the aviation maintenance personnel and the pilots themselves, given the exceptional duration of the flights.
- We are talking about flights that approach the aircraft's maximum endurance, particularly in these high temperatures. Our duty is to ensure that technical preparations for demanding flight mission in adverse weather conditions are carefully conducted. This allows the pilots and aircrews to conduct a thorough post-flight analysis, after both takeoff and landing, and address any deficiencies identified. This creates the necessary conditions for our permanent personnel to advance towards higher combat readiness qualifications - said the squadron commander.Through continuous, intensive training conducted throughout the year in all weather conditions, the squadron and the 98th Air Force Brigade maintain the required level of aircrew proficiency and overall unit combat readiness for the execution of assigned missions in Serbian Armed Forces operations.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY21.08.2026
mp4 (114,48 MB)The training
