The current version of the Quick Reaction Alert (Intercept) or QRA(I) combat aircraft – the MiG-21BisD/UMD – is the Croatian Air Force's most visible asset to NATO Air Policing. The jets are assigned to the 191st Fighter Squadron of the 91st Wing of the Croatian Air Force and located at the “Pukovnik Marko Živković” Barracks near Zagreb.
"The Republic of Croatia is committed to maintaining the capability to contribute to the safeguarding of NATO airspace."
Croatia's surveillance and air control system is operated by the Airspace Surveillance and Control Battalion, which is closely integrated with NATINAMDS. The battalion's Control and Reporting Center (CRC) in Podvornica (near Zagreb) protects the integrity of Croatian airspace and contributes to safeguarding NATO Allied airspace. With radar locations across the country, the center operates US-made FPS 3 117D air search radars to generate a recognized complete aerial image showing all airspace users.
This photo enables constant situational awareness that is shared with end users in the Republic of Croatia and abroad, including NATO CRCs in neighboring Italy, the CAOC in Spain and Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany.
The CRC and QRA(I) aircraft in service provide surveillance and protection of Croatian airspace. When an aircraft without authorization, deviating from the planned route or without adequate radio communication with air traffic control enters the airspace, QRA (I) fighters are scrambled to intercept and visually identify an aircraft in accordance with the procedures of the NATO and national, depending on the situation. In most cases, QRA(I) fighter pilots ensure that the aircraft's radio contacts are re-established or provide navigational assistance in emergency situations.
“Airspace Surveillance and Control Battalion personnel conduct 24/7 operations and participate in training activities and exercises organized by Allied Air Command and the CAOC to ensure the same level of airspace protection across the Alliance, said Brigadier General Križanec. “Croatian Air Force officers and non-commissioned officers also perform functions in NATO units involved in the airspace control and surveillance system; the Republic of Croatia is committed to maintaining the capability to contribute to the safeguarding of NATO airspace. In the spring of 2020, Croatia started procurement procedures for a new 4th generation multi-role fighter aircraft to secure and expand this capability in the future”, he added.
The Republic of Croatia became a full member of NATO in 2009 and declared forces for NATINAMDS. Unlike other smaller new Alliance members, Croatia has an autonomous air policing capability provided by its mission-proven MiG-21 fighter aircraft.
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