“We still have our MiGs whose lifespan expires in 2024. I deeply hope that by that time we will resolve our situation regarding the multipurpose fighter aircraft,” Banožić said after a presentation of new ambulances delivered to the Croatia Army in Zagreb.
Until then, he added, the Croatian Air Force will continue guarding the Croatia skies as it has done over the past 30 years.
Banožić said that it had been planned to make a political decision on the procurement of military planes in early January, adding that the earthquakes in Sisak-Moslavina County forced the government to focus on the aftermath of the disaster.
“We are waiting for a better moment to publicly present what the evaluation study has revealed, and our plan is to make that decision this year,” he said.
Speaking about the capacities of the Croatian army in the area struck by the earthquake, Banožić stressed that all tasks were defined in accordance with the civil protection team.
We are at the disposal here there rapid intervention is needed. My wish is for the situation to normalise as soon as possible and for us to turn to the construction sector and the post-quake reconstruction, the minister said.
“The situation in Petrinja is quite serious because we can see that some natural phenomena are occurring which the army is also familiar with. When we receive new tasks, we will react immediately,” Banožić said.
