30.09.2025.
100th anniversary of Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak” marked
This evening, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a formal ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak”. The ceremony was held at the Cultural Centre in Čačak.
Addressing the audience, Minister Gašić extended his congratulations on the important jubilee, the centenary of the Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak”, an institution of exceptional importance to Serbia’s defence system, “whose work is interwoven with the history of this city and its rich military tradition.”- Over the decades, the organizational structure and capacities of the Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak” have changed, adapting to the needs and demands of the military. However, its core activity – providing the highest level of maintenance of weapons and military equipment, has never changed. This institution has consistently served as a solid pillar of Serbia’s defence system. Its history is marked by dedication, professionalism, and sincere love for Serbia. During its 100 years of existence, the Institute’s destiny has been closely intertwined with that of our country, it has persisted and developed, staying true to its mission and core values. Its employees worked at full capacity even in the most difficult times, including during the NATO aggression, when multiple attacks caused severe damage to its facilities and equipment – said the Minister of Defence.
He emphasized that, in a time of technological changes and new security challenges, it is especially important to have an establishment such as the Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak”, “capable of keeping pace with the rapid and dynamic developments in equipping the Serbian Armed Forces, mastering new knowledge, and expanding its capacities”. - The modern combat systems we proudly showcased at the Power of Unity military parade and the Partner 2025 defence exhibition will, at some point during their exploitation and maintenance, come under the responsibility of this Institute, and their continued and effective use will depend on the Institute’s capabilities, expertise, and equipment. Our own experiences, as well as the experiences of other countries, especially those involved in armed conflicts, have shown that the resilience of a defence system is directly dependent on a well-organized logistical support, including, among other things, domestic maintenance capacities. Therefore, each link in that chain is equally important – emphasized Minister Gašić, adding that the work and contribution of each individual, technicians, engineers, and mangers alike – is important and deserves recognition.
Minister Gašić stated that today we also honour the people who built this institution and reaffirm our commitment to staying on that path.- Many generations have invested their work and effort into this Institute’s reputation, leaving in their legacy organization, discipline, and expertise, proven when it was needed most. New tasks lie ahead of you, but also new opportunities. I am confident that, with the full support of the Ministry of Defence, you will continue to serve as a firm pillar of the Armed Forces, keeping pace with technological advancements and the growing needs of our system. Once again, congratulations on this important milestone. I hope you will remain an example of professionalism, patriotism, and a symbol of technical excellence – said the Minister of Defence.
Lieutenant Colonel Igor Denić, Director of the Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak” said that a hundred years of existence is a long period, and that it is not only a milestone to be proud of, but also an achievement that few companies can boast of.
- It is a century of service to the homeland, a century in which the Institute has been and remains one of the pillars of the defence system. Over the past decades, the Institute has not only maintained the existing capacities, but has also been actively involved in their development and enhancement. We can proudly say that we have successfully carried out numerous development projects and became involved in the serial production of systems that represent a technological leap forward for our military. At the same time, we invest in the acquisition of modern equipment, improving production and overhaul conditions, in order to prepare for future challenges. We are rejuvenating our workforce, opening our doors to young engineers and mechanics, while placing special importance on knowledge transfer – because the experience gained by generations at this Institute must be passed on to the future staff. That is the guarantee that the Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak” will continue to have, in the next century as well, personnel capable of responding to every challenge – emphasized Lieutenant Colonel Denić.
At tonight’s ceremony, the Director of the Technical Overhaul Institute presented a commemorative plaque to Minister Gašić, in recognition of his selfless support and exceptional contribution to the development and advancement of the Institute. A plaque was also presented to Assistant Minister for Material Resources Nenad Miloradović, Ph.D., in recognition of his long-standing cooperation and support for the Institute.The event was further enriched by a performance delivered by “Stanislav Binički”, the Art Ensemble of the Ministry of Defence, and the screening of a promotional film about the Institute’s activities, produced by the Military Film Centre “Zastava Film”.
The formal ceremony was attended by the members of the Defence Minister’s and the Chief of the General Staff’s collegiums, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, officials from state administration and local government, representatives of religious communities, domestic companies, businesses, and numerous guests.
The Technical Overhaul Institute “Čačak” celebrates its anniversary on September 30, commemorating the day in 1925 when the State Council of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes approved the allocation of municipal land for the construction of an engineering and technical facility in Čačak – laying the foundation for the establishment of the Institute.