12.04.2015.

Prime Minister Vucic, Minister Gasic and General Dikovic visited members of the Air Force and Air Defence at Batajnica Airport

Prime Minister of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Minister of Defence Bratislav gasic and Head of the General Staff of Serbia General Ljubisa Dikovic visited today units of the 204th Air Brigade of Serbian Air Force and 250th Air Defence Missile Brigade at Batajnica Airport.

After the meeting with Air Force Commander Major General Ranko Zivak and Commanders of 204th and 250th Brigades Brigadier General Predrag Bandic and Colonel Savo Milenkovic, they visited the on-call unit of the Fighter Aviation of the 204th Air Brigade, after which they attended the takeoff of MiG 21 aircraft, and the showcase of training of members of the 250th Air Defence Missile Brigade.

The traditional Easter egg tapping followed.

Prime Minister Vucic congratulated Easter to all members of the defence system, thanked for their dedication and courage, and stated that much harder tasks lie ahead, because “this is their job, a difficult one, but the most rewarding one, one that demands unique, different individuals who do not spare themselves, who fight and love this country”.
- I would also like to say that better times are coming for them and their families as soon as by the end of the year, and that they have no reason to anticipate lowering of life standard. Today, we have had serious and thorough talks, analyzed the state in Serbian aviation, proscribed certain measures and concluded that it is our dedication to preserve the Armed Forces of Serbia, to improve its capacities and resources, to always be prepared to guard, protect and defend our country, although we lead a peaceful policy and do not expect any issues – Serbian Prime Minister said.

He added that investments would be made for the Air Force from the resources of the Ministry of Defence and means of the Government via certain public companies.

- Two Mi-17s and a more up-to-date Mi-171 should be purchased; transportation aviation should be enforced and, on Thursday, during the session of the Government, we will reach a decision on providing financial means for the procurement of spare parts for the entire fighter aviation. Those are substantial means. It is our goal to have all MiG-29 and MiG-21 aircraft in top condition, and it is our wish to have four single-seat and two two-seat aircraft by the end of the next year – Vucic stated, adding that the allocated funds should amount to “400 plus 200 million dinars”.

According to him, “Serbia will single-handedly protect its skies, sovereignty and airspace”.
- The Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of Serbia have already ordered extra spare parts for “NEVAs” and “KUBs”, we are improving our resources and proving that we are capable of protecting our skies – Prime Minister said.

Answering press inquiries, Prime Minister said that there are no conflicts within the Armed Forces of Serbia, that it is “in unity, strong and ready to respond to all tasks”. He added that the helicopter crash had been mentioned today and that it should be a message to all that “the military continues conducting its tasks with equal courage and dedication, even stronger than before”.
- What matters is that the Armed Forces still have the spirit, courage, devotedness and desire to help people. It is their job to act responsibly, to conduct toughest tasks, and this will remain the case in the future as well – Vucic stated.