Croatian military pilots have been demonstrating professionalism and readiness to provide assistance to friends, partners, and allies from the first day of their engagement in fighting fires in North Macedonia.

On the first day of international humanitarian aid in fighting fires in North Macedonia, July 16, 2024, a Croatian Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft participated in an operation near Bitola.

The Canadair from the Croatian Air Force performed 13 flights, spent 3:20 hours in the air, dropped 72 tons of water, and consumed 2898 liters of fuel. This significantly contributed to extinguishing the fires and protecting the local population.

The Canadair CL-415 aircraft, from the Firefighting Specially Organized Forces, was sent to North Macedonia based on the Order of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić. It took off from the "Colonel Mirko Vukušić" barracks in Zemunik around 12:00 PM, arriving in Macedonia around 1:50 PM, after which it immediately started firefighting.

This is not the first time Croatian pilots have assisted in international firefighting missions. The Croatian Air Force regularly participates in similar operations across Europe, demonstrating their readiness and professionalism. Their equipment and ability to respond quickly make them an indispensable resource in fighting fires.

During this mission in North Macedonia, Croatian pilots coordinated their activities with local authorities and fire services, resulting in the successful extinguishing of several critical fire hotspots. Such cooperation further strengthens international relations and shows the importance of joint efforts in crisis situations.

Croatian military pilots, along with the aircraft crew, demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to the task. Their engagement is not just technical assistance but also an expression of solidarity and support for countries affected by natural disasters.

The Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft is one of the most efficient tools in fighting large fires. It can drop large amounts of water from the air, making it ideal for extinguishing fires in hard-to-reach areas. The Croatian Air Force has years of experience using this aircraft, which has proven crucial in numerous operations.

The mission in North Macedonia is yet another example of how international cooperation and resource sharing can be vital in emergency situations. Croatian pilots continue to monitor the situation on the ground and remain ready for additional interventions if needed.

For more information about the activities of the Croatian Air Force and their international missions, visit the official pages of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia.