The 105th Aviation Brigade (Serbo-Croatian: 105. ваздухопловна бригада / 105. vazduhoplovna brigada) was a military aviation unit formed from the disbanded Yugoslav 105th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment in the spring of 1993 by the Serbian Army of Krajina at Udbina Airport, during the Yugoslav Wars.
Organization
The brigade's precise organizational structure is not fully documented. It consisted of at least one combat squadron nicknamed "Kobre" (Cobras, originating from the former 249th Squadron) and the 56th Mixed Helicopter Squadron. The commander of the brigade was Ratko Dopuđa.
Equipment
The 105th Aviation Brigade operated a mixed inventory of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, including:
- 12 J-21 Jastreb light ground-attack aircraft
- At least two G-2 Galeb trainer jets
- 4 Soko Gazelle helicopters
- 4 Gazelle Gama anti-tank helicopters
- Two Mil Mi-8T transport helicopters
- One Antonov An-2
- Several Utva 66, Utva 75, J-20 Kraguj, and Zlin Z-526 aircraft
Operations
Aircraft from Udbina airport took part in combat operations during both the Croatian War of Independence and the Bosnian War. This was partly because Republika Srpska Air Force aircraft stationed at Banja Luka airport were unable to operate under the no-fly zone imposed over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gazelle Gama anti-tank helicopters were reportedly effective in destroying Croatian army tanks during several engagements.
Engagements
The brigade participated in multiple military operations, including Operation Medak Pocket, Operation Flash, and Operation Storm. The unit was also involved in the 1994 airstrike on Udbina Air Base conducted by NATO aircraft.
Disbandment
During the Croatian military Operation Storm in August 1995, most of the brigade's aircraft in flying condition retreated to Banja Luka. Transport helicopters conducted final evacuation flights. Following the fall of the Republic of Serbian Krajina in the summer of 1995 and the defeat of the Serbian Army of Krajina, the 105th Aviation Brigade ceased to exist.
Active period: 1993–1995
