On Saturday 11th May, MAR members made the trip to Zagreb Croatia for AIRVG2024 to witness one of the last public displays of the venerable Croatian Air Force MIG-21s – the only flying examples left in Europe!
Under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Velika Gorica hosted AIRVG2024 – an Aviation Day at the International Dr. Franjo Tu-man airport. The 2024 edition marked the third iteration of AIRVG, with the previous event held in 2018. The event aimed to promote aviation in Croatia and Velika Gorica as an “Aviation City”, focusing on modernising aviation and showcasing career opportunities. This event marked a continuation of Velika Gorica’s “Aviation City” project, which included a “Charter of Friendship” signed between the city and various aviation industry entities operating in the area particularly the Croatian Air Force, Croatia Airlines, Croatian Air Navigation Control and others.
This year’s event drew the interest of numerous aviation enthusiasts, gathering in Velika Gorica from across Croatia and beyond, among them 700 aviation photographers from around 25 countries worldwide, who travelled to Croatia specifically to witness the venerable MIG-21 – the final flying examples in Europe as they prepare to hand over their Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties to the newly acquired Rafale aircraft.
Just days before the event, AIRVG released a limited number of spotter accreditation passes, which we managed to secure before they were quickly claimed. Additionally, the public had the chance to obtain free entry tickets, also limited to around 10,000.
AIRVG2024 was impeccably organized. As spotters, we received a comprehensive document detailing entry procedures, timings, diagrams for free public transport, and parking arrangements. We particularly appreciated being granted access to the airshow grounds 45 minutes before the general public, allowing us ample time to photograph the aircraft on static display unhindered. Although a spotter area was designated on the apron, we chose not to use it and head outside the airport perimeter because the flying display began after 15:00, and shooting from there would result in backlit shots. Nonetheless, we commend the organisers of AIRVG for their thoughtful initiatives.
The static display featured nearly all active Croatian Air Force fixed-wing and rotary units, including the Zlin 242L, Pilatus PC9M, MiG-21 R (serial 26112), and MiG-21 UMD (“Kockica”) painted in the Croatian coat of arms checkerboard pattern. The display also showcased a C3R-EC/DC Rafale and MiG-21 (serial 133), with its cockpit open for viewing.
MiG-21R (26112), dubbed “Rudijev MiG,” gained notoriety when Croatian pilot Rudolf Perešin defected from the Yugoslav Air Force during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991-1995, flying it to Klagenfurt, Austria after a recon flight, on October 25, 1991. Perešin, who joined the Croatian Armed Forces shortly after his defection, was killed during a CAS mission on May 2, 1995, near Stara Gradiška. Perešin was laid to rest with full military honours at Zagreb’s Mirogoj cemetery on September 15, 1997. His legacy lives on through the Croatian Air Force Flying School in Zadar and the Aeronautical Technical High School in Velika Gorica, both bearing his name as a tribute. The MiG, retaining its original Yugoslav Air Force livery, was also exhibited at the AirPower Air show in 2011 before returning to Croatia in 2019.
Additionally, the rotary types included the OH-58D “Kiowa Warrior,” UH-60M “Black Hawk,” Bell 206B Jet Ranger, Mi-171Sh, and a Slovenian Air Force AS532 Cougar.
The flying display commenced with a thrilling performance by the renowned Croatian Air Force aerobatic team, “The Wings of Storm,” showcasing their PC-9s. Following them was the Zlin 242, which, despite its slower speed, demonstrated remarkable maneuverability, captivating the audience. A Combat Search and Rescue demonstration ensued, featuring an Mi171 Hip retrieving a simulated downed pilot, with aerial backup provided by two light attack OH-58 Kiowa helicopters.
The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the joint demonstration by the MIG-21 and Rafale, flying in formation before executing their individual aerial routines. This symbolic display marked the transition from the older to the newer generation fighter, resonating with spectators. The finale included a demonstration by the Bell 206B Jet Ranger, followed by a brief performance by the Wings of Storm, as they bid farewell to the crowd before concluding the event.
In conclusion, AIRVG2024 proved to be a highly organised and exhilarating airshow, offering a remarkable opportunity to witness the last flying MIG-21s in Europe and a comprehensive display of the Croatian Air Force inventory. Our heartfelt thanks go to the organisers and the Croatian Air Force for their efforts in making this event possible. We encourage everyone to mark this airshow on their calendars for future editions, ensuring its continuation as a must-see event for aviation enthusiasts.