Rudolf Perešin: 35th anniversary of historic MiG-21 flight

The 35th anniversary of pilot Rudolf Perešin’s historic flight from the Željava airbase to Klagenfurt, Austria, is being commemorated. On October 25, 1991, Perešin, a trained military pilot and reconnaissance officer, defected from the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) by flying his MiG-21R into Austrian airspace.

During the flight, Perešin famously declared, “I am a Croat, I cannot and will not shoot at Croats!” His decision to refuse participation in the war against Croatia gained significant international attention. Four days after the landing, he returned to Croatia to join the Croatian Air Force, where he contributed to the defense of the country and the development of its military aviation.

The MiG-21 aircraft used in the flight (registration 26 112) remained in Austria for 28 years, displayed in a military aviation museum in Zeltweg, before being returned to Croatia in May 2019. It is currently housed at the 91st Wing of the Croatian Air Force in Pleso. Perešin later died in action on May 2, 1995, during Operation Flash.