Defections of Croat pilots from Yugoslav Air Force (JRV)

Defections of Croat pilots from Yugoslav Air Force (JRV)

First defection was done by Brigadier Rudolf PeriÅ¡in on October 25th, 1991. Because all Croatian airfields where still in Yugoslav control he landed his MiG-21R in Austria. He become famous for his statement at Celovec (Klagenfurt) airfield: "Ich bin Kroate und schiesse nicht auf Kroaten" (I'm Croat and I will not shot at Croats).

Second defection was much better planed and on February 4th 1992, Colonel Danijel BoroviÄ‡ took off from BihaÄ‡, 5th Corps 117th Fighter Aviation Squadron, and landed on Pula airfield which was now under Croatian control giving HRZ it first MiG-21 bisK (YU No.17133, c/n N2119).

On May 15th 1992, pilots Colonel Ivan Selak and Major Ivica IvandiÄ‡, from 124th Fighter Aviation Squadron which was transferred from BihaÄ‡ to UÅ¾ice, flew over with two more MiG-21 bis (YU No. 17235 and No.17167, c/n N42741 and c/n N4051).

Sources: Hrvatski Vojnik, Velebit