The two-day CIAV 2024 (Croatian International Airshow Varaždin) is held at the Varaždin airport on July 13 and 14, 2024. The event was opened by the multi-purpose combat aircraft Rafale from the Croatian Air Force, along with HRZ Black Hawk UH-60 M and Kiowa Warrior helicopters. CIAV is considered the largest aviation event in this part of Europe.

The opening ceremony was led by State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Zdravko Jakop, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, HRZ Commander Major General Michael Križanec, Prefect of Varaždin County Anđelko Stričak, and Mayor of Varaždin Neven Bosilj.

In his speech, State Secretary Jakop thanked the organizers and emphasized the importance of promoting the Croatian Army at such events. He invited attendees to visit the tactical-technical assembly of the Croatian Army, where the infantry fighting vehicle Patria, MRAP vehicle, and other equipment were displayed.

The Role of the Croatian Air Force
Major Darko Belančić highlighted the importance of HRZ's participation in such events, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase advanced aviation techniques and capabilities to visitors.

At the airport, visitors could see Pilatus PC-9 aircraft, the school-combat aircraft Galeb G-2, MIG-15 from Poland, and HRZ Black Hawk and Kiowa Warrior helicopters. Special attention was drawn to the Rafale aircraft, which performed at this airshow for the first time.

From the Antonov An-2 aircraft, paratroopers brought the flags of the co-organizers - the City of Varaždin and Varaždin County. The program also included two Alpha Jet aircraft from the Red Bull fleet from Salzburg.

Exhibition and Flight Program
The program began at 10 a.m., when visitors could view the large exhibition of the Croatian Army's tactical-technical assembly. The flight program, which began at 2 p.m. with a Rafale flyover, lasted until 7 p.m., offering dynamic and diverse content.

The Mayor of Varaždin expressed satisfaction with the impressive program of the Croatian Air Force, including the Rafale flyover and the acrobatics of the Krila Oluje team. He thanked the Croatian Army for their support and invited citizens to visit the renovated Varaždin airport and enjoy the aviation spectacle over the weekend.

This event is held under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and co-organized by the City of Varaždin and Varaždin County.

Weather Issues
Due to bad weather conditions, the afternoon part of the flight program had to be interrupted. However, Krila Oluje will perform in full tomorrow, July 14, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy their acrobatics.

Besides the flight part, visitors could also see various exhibition items, including Croatian Army equipment. This event provides a unique opportunity to get to know the technical equipment and skills used by the armed forces.

The flight program included participation from various foreign aircraft, giving the event an international character. This gathering of aviation enthusiasts provides a unique opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among participants.

CIAV 2024 is not just an opportunity to observe air performances, but also to educate about aviation and military technology. Visitors had the opportunity to talk to pilots and experts and learn more about their daily work and the challenges they face.

Organizers emphasized the importance of such events for the promotion of aviation and military capabilities, but also for strengthening relations with international partners. CIAV 2024 represents a significant event for Varaždin, but also for the whole of Croatia, attracting visitors from various parts of the country and abroad.

Visitors also had the opportunity to see aerial acrobatics performed by various international aviation groups, providing additional attraction and increasing the international prestige of the event.

Future Plans
The Mayor of Varaždin announced plans for further development and modernization of the Varaždin airport, with the aim of becoming the center of aviation events in the region. Such events stimulate the local economy and tourism offer, contributing to the promotion of Varaždin as a significant destination.

This airshow represents the synergy of military and civilian aviation and contributes to better public awareness of the importance of aviation. With a rich program, CIAV 2024 ensures an unforgettable experience for all visitors, emphasizing the importance of air forces in modern society.

All these activities and programs allow visitors to better understand the technology and operations that take place in aviation, and encourage interest in this important field. CIAV 2024 thus becomes not only an attractive event but also an educational platform for future generations.

The CIAV 2024 event brings numerous innovations and technological demonstrations, showcasing the latest achievements in aviation. Visitors have the opportunity to see the most modern equipment and technologies used by air forces around the world.

CIAV 2024 also provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences among experts, thus encouraging development and progress in the field of aviation. This event plays a key role in strengthening international relations and cooperation among air forces of different countries.

With a rich program and participation from various aviation teams, CIAV 2024 attracts a large number of visitors, confirming itself as one of the most important aviation events in the region. This event has a significant impact on the promotion of aviation and military capabilities of Croatia, and contributes to the development of the local community.

Significance of CIAV 2024
CIAV 2024 is not just an aviation event, but also an event that connects people and promotes understanding of the importance of aviation. With the support of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and local authorities, this airshow becomes a symbol of progress and cooperation in the aviation sector.

The two-day CIAV 2024 program offers various activities that satisfy the interests of all visitors, from enthusiasts to professionals. This airshow provides a unique opportunity to get to know the latest achievements in aviation and military technology, thus increasing interest and awareness of this important field.

CIAV 2024 is not only an event but also a platform for educating and informing the public about the importance of air forces and their role in modern society. Through a rich and dynamic program, visitors have the opportunity to experience aviation firsthand and learn more about the technologies that shape the future.