PHOTO: Kroatische Piloten, die in Frankreich die Katastrophe gelöscht hatten, kehren nach Hause zurück: Es war erstaunlich

A team of Croatian military pilots has returned to Croatia after completing their mission in France, where they assisted in combating wildfires of catastrophic proportions. The pilots, part of the 855th Anti-Fire Squadron under the 93rd Wing of the Croatian Air Force, arrived back at the "Pukovnik Marko Živković" barracks in Zemunik earlier this morning. Their deployment took place from July 24 to August 2, 2026, during which time they worked alongside French colleagues to suppress fires in several regions of France. The Croatian personnel included military pilots, flight technicians, and aircraft maintenance specialists who contributed significantly to firefighting efforts. According to reports, they conducted 225 flights, accumulated 51 hours and 40 minutes of flight time, and discharged 1,224 tons of water. These numbers underscore the scale of their involvement in the operation. The pilots were deployed based on a request from the French Republic and in accordance with a decision made by the Government of the Republic of Croatia. This deployment required prior approval from the President of the Republic and orders issued by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. Their participation was carried out within the framework of the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism, known as RescEU. This mechanism allows member states to support one another in times of crisis through coordinated resources and expertise. Captain Ivan Dukić, a crew member aboard the Canadair CL-415, described the experience as particularly challenging. He noted the immense size of the fire near Bordeaux, which covered 42,000 hectares, four times the area of Paris. Witnessing the destruction of homes, industrial facilities, and vineyards was emotionally difficult, he said. Despite these challenges, the Croatian team emphasized the importance of collaboration with French colleagues, sharing knowledge and experience. They expressed pride in contributing to the relief efforts and in representing Croatia’s commitment to international cooperation in times of need. The firefighting operations took place in multiple regions including Bordeaux, Salernes, Biscarrosse, and east of Marseille. These areas were affected by severe wildfires that posed significant threats to both human life and property. The Croatian contribution was recognized as valuable, highlighting the effectiveness of their training, skills, and equipment in such critical situations. The return of the Croatian pilots marks the end of a period of intense activity abroad. Their mission in France has been highlighted as a demonstration of the country’s readiness to provide assistance beyond its borders. The involvement of Croatian forces in this operation aligns with broader trends of cross-border collaboration in disaster response, facilitated by mechanisms like RescEU. This incident serves as a practical example of how national militaries can play a role in international humanitarian efforts. The specific locations where the fires occurred indicate the widespread nature of the emergency. Bordeaux, a major city in southwestern France, was among the affected areas, along with smaller towns and rural communities. The impact on vineyards suggests that the economic consequences of the fires could be substantial, given the significance of viticulture in the region. Military officials have confirmed that all necessary procedures were followed before deploying the Croatian personnel. This includes obtaining formal approvals from the highest levels of government, ensuring compliance with international agreements, and coordinating with local authorities in France. Such steps reflect the structured approach taken by the Croatian government in responding to external requests for assistance. As the pilots settle back into their routines at the barracks, their experiences will likely inform future preparedness and training programs. Their firsthand accounts of the conditions faced during the firefighting missions offer insights into the challenges encountered in such environments. These insights can contribute to improved strategies for dealing with similar crises in the future. The duration of the mission, spanning nearly two weeks, indicates a sustained effort rather than a brief intervention. The number of flights and the amount of water deployed suggest that the Croatian team played a consistent and active role throughout the operation. This level of engagement underscores the value placed on their contributions by both the Croatian government and their French counterparts.