| Croatian Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo | |
 Emblem of the Croatian Air Force | |
| Founded | 12 December 1991 |
| Country |  Croatia |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 1,500 |
| Part of | Croatian Armed Forces |
| Headquarters | Pleso Air Base |
| Motto(s) | "They Watch and Sail the Croatian Sky" |
| Anniversaries | December 12th |
| Engagements | |
| Website | vojnipilot |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Brigadier General Michael Križanec |
| Notable commanders | General Imra Agotić, Brigadier General Rudolf Perešin |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel |   |
| Fin flash |  .svg) |
| Flag |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Rafale |
| Helicopter | Mi-171, UH-60, OH-58, Bell 206 |
| Trainer | PC-9, Z 242 |
| Transport | CL-415, AT-802 |
The Croatian Air Force (Croatian: Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo or HRZ) is a branch of the Croatian Armed Forces tasked primarily with safeguarding the sovereignty of Croatian airspace and providing aviation support to other branches during joint operations. Prior to a 2018 decision by the Croatian Parliament, the HRZ was responsible for the integrated air defense system of Croatia. However, Air Defense (PZO) was subsequently transferred to the Croatian Army.[1]
The mission of HRZ is to monitor and protect the airspace of the Republic of Croatia, participate in joint and international NATO/UN/EU-led military operations, and implement operations to provide assistance to civil institutions in the country. Today, the Croatian Air Force has 1,500 members, of which about 200 are pilots.[2] The share of women is 13.44%.[3]
- ^ "Odluka o izmjeni i dopuni Odluke o danima rodova, službi, struka i posebnih dijelova Oružanih snaga Republike Hrvatske". narodne-novine.nn.hr. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
- ^ Banković, Živojin (2024-01-09). "Komandant HRZ i PZO za Večernji list: Hrvatski Rafali identični francuskim, paket naoružanja i dalje tajna, neće leteti samo iznad Hrvatske". Tango Six (in Serbian). Retrieved 2024-08-29.
- ^ "Pripadnice HV za Dana žena: Budite neustrašive, jake i uporne, tu smo da rušimo barijere". www.morh.hr. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-29.