Croatian Air Force

Croatian Air Force
Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo
Emblem of the Croatian Air Force
Founded12 December 1991 (1991-12-12)
Country Croatia
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size1,500
Part ofCroatian Armed Forces
H/QPleso Air Base
Mottos"They Watch and Sail the Croatian Sky"
Anniversaries12 December
Engagements
Websitevojnipilot.hr
Commanders
Current
commander
Brigadier Krešimir Ražov
Notable
commanders
General Imra Agotić, Brigadier General Rudolf Perešin
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Flag
Aircraft flown
AttackBayraktar TB2
FighterRafale F3-R B/C
Attack helicopterOH-58D, Mi-171Sh
Utility helicopterBell 206B, UH-60M
TrainerZ 242L, PC-9M
TransportCL-415, AT-802A/F

The Croatian Air Force (Croatian: Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo or HRZ) is the aerial warfare branch of the Croatian Armed Forces. It is tasked primarily with safeguarding the sovereignty of Croatian airspace and providing aviation support to other branches during joint operations.

The mission of HRZ is to monitor and protect the airspace of the Republic of Croatia, participate in joint and international NATO/UN/EU-led military operations, and implement operations to provide assistance to civil institutions in the country. Today, the Croatian Air Force has 1,500 members, of which about 200 are pilots. The share of women is 13.44%. Brigadier Krešimir Ražov was appointed as the new Commander of the Croatian Air Force in October 2025.