Mesic congratulated all officers, noncommissioned officers, military employees and members of the Air Force and Air Defence on their exceptional courage, determination and sacrifices in the most difficult days of war, as well as on their professionalism, patience and perseverance in peace-time challenges.
He added that the most difficult task on the road of transition from war to peace-time forces was the wish to harmonise the need for modern equipment with available funds.
"Nevertheless, as long as the Air Force and Air Defence have you, they can successfully compete with modern armies of today, as well as carry out peace-time tasks to the benefit of Croatian citizens."