1st Helicopter Brigade

1st Helicopter Brigade is a primary rotary-wing formation within the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence. Headquartered at Batajnica Air Base near Belgrade, it serves as the nation's key asset for tactical transport, close air support, and combat search and rescue. The brigade's lineage traces to Yugoslav People's Army aviation units, evolving through the turbulent period of the Yugoslav Wars into a modern component of Serbia's armed forces.

History

The unit's origins lie in helicopter regiments formed within the Yugoslav Air Force during the early 1960s, as the Yugoslav People's Army sought to enhance its aerial mobility. It saw significant operational deployment during the Yugoslav Wars, including missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Following the Breakup of Yugoslavia and the signing of the Dayton Agreement, the unit was reorganized under the Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro. After Montenegro's independence in 2006, it was fully integrated into the Serbian Armed Forces, undergoing modernization efforts to replace aging Soviet-era aircraft. Its pilots and crews have participated in numerous international exercises, such as those with Partnership for Peace nations, and provided critical support during domestic flood relief operations, notably the 2014 Southeast Europe floods.

Organization

The brigade is directly subordinate to the Air Force and Air Defence Command. Its structure is centered on several helicopter squadrons, each specializing in different mission sets, alongside dedicated maintenance, logistics, and training subunits. Key subordinate units include the **119th Mixed Helicopter Squadron** and the **890th Mixed Helicopter Squadron**, which are responsible for the bulk of tactical flight operations. The brigade's training pipeline is closely linked with the Military Academy and the Žarkovo military school, ensuring a continuous flow of qualified personnel. This organizational framework is designed to ensure rapid deployment in support of ground forces across the entire territory of Serbia.

Aircraft

The brigade operates a mixed fleet of Soviet/Russian and Western-origin helicopters, reflecting its historical legacy and ongoing modernization. The primary medium transport and utility helicopter is the Mil Mi-8 and its upgraded variant, the Mil Mi-17, used for troop transport, medevac, and cargo duties. The iconic attack and armed escort capability is provided by the Mil Mi-24 gunship. For light reconnaissance, liaison, and anti-armor roles, the brigade utilizes the Aérospatiale Gazelle, some of which are equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Future plans, as part of the Serbian military's modernization, have indicated potential acquisitions of new utility and attack helicopters, including the Kamov Ka-226 and the Mil Mi-35.

Operations

Operational activities span peacetime training, national support tasks, and potential combat roles. The brigade regularly conducts joint exercises with other branches of the Serbian Armed Forces, such as the 63rd Parachute Brigade, to rehearse air assault and deep operation tactics. Its helicopters are on constant standby for search and rescue missions over land and water, coordinated with the Serbian Ministry of Interior. In a combat capacity, the brigade is tasked with providing close air support to maneuver units, conducting armed reconnaissance, and performing medical evacuation under fire. It also plays a vital role in supporting United Nations peacekeeping contingents deployed abroad by the Serbian military.

Commanders

Command of the brigade has been held by senior officers with extensive aviation experience. Past commanders have often been veterans of operations during the Kosovo War and the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. The selection process for the commander typically involves approval from the Chief of the General Staff and the Minister of Defence. Notable former commanders include Colonel Željko Bilić, who later served in the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, and Colonel Srđan Živanović, who played a key role in post-2000 force restructuring. The commander is usually based at the unit's headquarters at Batajnica Air Base.

Category:Military units and formations of Serbia Category:Aviation brigades Category:Serbian Air Force and Air Defence