Armed forces of Montenegro: features, composition of the army, equipment

To protect the country from external threats, the Montenegrin army performs several functions. This military formation in the Montenegrin language is called Vojska Black Gore or Army Black Up. Despite the relatively small number, the units are equipped with modern weapons and military exercises are being carried out, including as part of NATO forces.

History of formation

At the time of gaining independence, the Montenegrin army numbered up to 35 thousand. servicemen. The first formations were formed in 1878, when King Nicholas I Petrovich Negosh declared the creation of an independent state. General Bozhidar Yankovich became the head of the central headquarters. Compulsory military service was declared, and every adult man in the country had to do military service. This situation persisted until the beginning of the First World War. Since 1918, it has changed.

Stages of development of the Montenegrin army.

1. 1941-1945. During the Italian occupation, some volunteers fought against the guerrilla movement. The Sandzak Police Battalion has been established.
2. Since 1945. The old part of Yugoslavia, its inhabitants served in the army units of this country.
3. 2006 The Montenegrin government has issued a law establishing a national army to protect external borders and carry out internal tasks.

The initial composition is 6,500 people. However, a program has been set up to reduce Montenegro’s army to 2,500. At the same time there is a rearmament, participation in the NATO project “Partnership for Peace”. Compulsory military service has been abolished since 2006, and units are being formed on a contractual basis.

Description of troops

Montenegro officially joined the Alliance on June 5, 2017. This became the basis for the modernization of the army. In the country it is divided into several genera and a set of troops – land, navy and air. Although the force does not exceed 2,400, it is involved in NATO exercises responsible for full-fledged operations. You need to learn more about each species.

Land

They are designed to perform tasks on the mainland. In addition to the standard units, there is a mountain battalion, which includes hunters. Their function is to work in mountainous conditions. Partly designed for rescue and search operations. Features: equipment of hunting aircraft, special training.

Which units make up the Montenegrin Army Brigade:

• infantry battalion, whose function is in effective operations on rough terrain;
• special forces (company), designed for anti-terrorist operations, assists the country’s internal services;
• communications company;
• auxiliary units – engineering and artillery companies, honor guard, military police.

The country’s armed forces have a special unit of electronic intelligence. It is necessary to ensure information security. It is planned that the main ground forces will be stationed at the military base in Niksic .

Navy

Most of the fleet went to the country after the breakup of the Yugoslav republic. He was officially listed as Serbia. However, after the partition of the country, it lost access to the Adriatic Sea. The Montenegrin government will not develop the Navy, as the characteristics of the ships do not meet NATO standards.

Montenegro’s plans for the navy:

• reduction in the number of ships and personnel;
• performing coast guard functions, suppressing poaching and illegal emigration;
• participation in joint exercises with other countries as ancillary units.

Due to the reform of the Montenegrin army, most of the ships will be stationed in the country’s largest port, Bar. It is planned to create maintenance and repair infrastructure. But due to low costs, landscaping work has not yet begun.

Air Force

The government pays even less attention to the development of the Air Force. The reason is insufficient material supply. Most of the aircraft came after the collapse of the Balkans. Currently in storage are Mi-8T helicopters, SOKO G-4 Super Galeb aircraft , several training Serbian models UTVA 75.

A base in Podgorica was chosen to base the aircraft . It is located next to the international airport. The last training flight of aircraft dates back to 2010. Helicopters are used to perform rescue, search operations, for training flights.

The economic situation of the country does not allow to develop the Montenegrin army to international standards. She is partially involved in peacekeeping missions and military operations in the Middle East.