Osijek Independent Aviation Squadron marks 35th anniversary

The 35th anniversary of the founding of the Osijek Independent Aviation Squadron was commemorated on Saturday at the Osijek-Čepin sports airfield. Formed in October 1991, it was the first Croatian aviation unit established during the Homeland War.

Founded by pilot Marko Živković, the squadron utilized small sports aircraft and Antonov An-2 agricultural planes to conduct dangerous low-altitude night flights. These missions were designed to evade radar while delivering essential medical supplies, food, and weapons to the besieged city of Vukovar. In addition to humanitarian aid, the unit conducted combat operations using improvised bombs made from 200-liter gas cylinders.

During their two months of activity, the pilots completed 35 combat flights, dropping 68 bombs and 17 supply crates containing two tons of aid. The unit faced significant risks from Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) missile systems. The commemoration included wreath-laying and candle-lighting ceremonies to honor the four members of the squadron who lost their lives during the war.