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Republika Srpska Air Force

The Republika Srpska Air Force (, ) was the air force of Republika Srpska.

History

In May 1992, the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) with the support of the Federal Yugoslav Air Force quickly established its own air force at Banja Luka; The Republika Srpska Air Force provided support to VRS units fighting against Croat and Muslim Bosnian forces during Operation Corridor 92, linking Yugoslavia with the Bosnian Serb-held areas around Banja Luka.

Even after the United Nations imposed a no-fly zone in Bosnia in 1992, the Republika Srpska Air Force continued conducting combat sorties, while ground crews kept combat aircraft airworthy in late 1992. While all warring factions in the Bosnian War including the VRS avoided employing fighter aircraft between 1993 and 1994, they all made extensive use of helicopters for resupplying missions.

Structure

1992–1995

According to Tim Ripley, the order of battle in 1995 was:

Post-1995

According to Janes, the Republika Srpska Air Force had a total of 14,000 personnel in 2003, while aircraft was limited by international peace treaties to 21 fixed-wing combat aircraft. Janes also estimated that 30 helicopters and several light aircraft were in service in 2003.

Inventory

In 2004, the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated that the Republika Srpska Air Force had 19 fixed-wing combat aircraft, 33 helicopters, and 2 UTVA 75 trainers.

References