The Air Forces of the Firefighting Specially Organized Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia played a key role in this year's firefighting efforts. Activities during the 2024 fire season were intense and demanding, with a special focus on the coastal areas of Croatia. From June 11 to August 12, the air forces were engaged in extinguishing 50 fires, covering different regions and conditions.

Intervention details by county
Split-Dalmatia County was the most affected, with 26 air force interventions, indicating a high risk and frequency of fires in this region during the summer. Zadar County had 11 interventions, while Šibenik-Knin recorded eight interventions. These figures reflect the need for constant readiness and rapid response in the event of a fire outbreak.

In the Dubrovnik-Neretva County area, three interventions were recorded, while in the Istrian and Lika-Senj counties, the air forces intervened once each. These data indicate the geographical spread of fires and the challenges in logistical planning and deployment of air resources.

The role of air forces in firefighting
During firefighting activities, the air forces carried out 4,180 flights, resulting in a total of 560 hours and 35 minutes of flight time. During these missions, 20,518 tons of water were dropped on the burned areas. These efforts highlight the importance of air forces in fighting fires and reducing the damage they cause.

In addition to extinguishing fires, the air forces also transported 19 tons of cargo and used 10,622 liters of foam, which is crucial for the effectiveness of firefighting and reducing the risk of fire rekindling. Resources such as foam are crucial for combating fires in hard-to-reach terrains.

Proactive measures and international cooperation
In addition to active firefighting, the air forces conducted 30 firefighting reconnaissance missions, further contributing to prevention and timely detection of fires. On several occasions, unmanned aerial systems were also used, enabling detailed monitoring and reconnaissance of hard-to-reach areas.

A unit from the "4th Guards Brigade Spiders" barracks in Knin was relocated to the "Colonel Mirko Vukušić" barracks in Zemunik Donji to protect burned areas at the end of July. These tactical relocations ensure a rapid response and the availability of additional forces in critical situations.

Humanitarian aid to North Macedonia
In addition to domestic activities, Croatia also provided international support. From July 16 to 21, a Canadair CL-415 aircraft from the Firefighting Specially Organized Forces was deployed to the Republic of North Macedonia. This aircraft participated in humanitarian firefighting missions there, during which it flew 27 hours and dropped 615 tons of water. The mission was part of the broader efforts of the Republic of Croatia to assist neighboring countries in times of crisis.

Cooperation with international partners demonstrates Croatia's commitment to combating fires at the regional level and strengthening ties with neighboring countries in the joint fight against natural disasters.

Conclusion and perspectives
Overall, the activities of the air forces in 2024 were crucial for reducing fire damage and protecting people, property, and the natural environment. The role of the Croatian Army and its air resources demonstrates a high level of readiness and efficiency in responding to crisis situations. These efforts not only protect national security but also contribute to stability and security in the wider regional context. Croatia will continue to invest in the development and maintenance of its air forces to ensure an effective response to all future challenges.