AVIATION INDUSTRY

Belgrade has traditionally been the central hub of the aviation industry in this region — from the era of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia to the present-day Republic of Serbia.

Numerous factories and their dedicated workers contributed immensely to the development of domestic aviation, designing hundreds of aircraft models and producing thousands of flying machines — from the legendary “Mali Brandenburg” and IK-3 to the modern “Lasta.” Although many factories no longer exist or have completely shifted their production focus, this overview provides precise data on where each was located and what currently stands at those sites.

ROGOŽARSKI AD

The Živojin Rogožarski Aircraft Factory was founded in 1923 and operated under that name until 1946, when it merged with the company IKARUS.

Initially, the factory specialized in repairing captured military aircraft, but soon began producing domestic aircraft models and aircraft under license. Among the most notable models produced here were Mali Brandenburg, Fizir FN, Sim 14, R-100, IK-3, Hurricane, and others. A total of 286 aircraft were manufactured in the Rogožarski factory.

The factory halls were located at 25 Knez Danilova Street. Today, the same premises are used by the company IKL.

IKARUS AD

IKARUS AD, the first Serbian industry dedicated to aircraft, automobiles, and machinery, was founded in Novi Sad in 1923. In 1927, a new division was established in Zemun, equipped with its own airfield.

The factory designed and produced numerous aircraft, both domestic and licensed. Among the most renowned models were Potez 15, Hawker Fury, Bristol Blenheim, IK-2, and Orkan. After World War II, in 1946, IKARUS incorporated the ZMAJ and ROGOŽARSKI factories.

By 1962, IKARUS had manufactured a total of 475 aircraft, after which it ceased aviation production.

The factory was located in Zemun, at 19 Aviatičarski put. Today, that area consists of residential blocks between Palmira Toljatija Street and the “Jugoslavija” hotel.

ZMAJ

The aircraft and seaplane factory “Zmaj-Zemun,” founded by Petrović and Sterić in 1927, was the third of its kind in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Initially, it produced aircraft under French licenses, but from 1932 onward began developing domestic models. Notable aircraft produced here included: Dewoitine, Fizir, FP-2, Hawker Fury, Hawker Hurricane, as well as the Spartan passenger plane built for the national airline AEROPUT.

In total, 359 aircraft were produced in Zmaj’s facilities until 1946, when the factory ceased aviation-related production. It was located at 18 Karađorđeva Street in Zemun. Today, only a small house remains at the corner of Karađorđeva and Đure Đakovića streets.

AIRCRAFT ENGINE INDUSTRY AD

It was founded in 1927 as a joint-stock company with 50% foreign capital, with production halls located in Rakovica. The industry was nationalized in 1936.

Licensed production included advanced aircraft engines of the time — Jupiter (Gnome-Rhône), as well as models K-7, K-9, and K-14. In 1940, the factory assembled the first “Praga” trucks in Yugoslavia.

After World War II, the company became known as the Rakovica Engine Industry – IMR, with its specialized department continuing the production and overhaul of aircraft engines.

AIRCRAFT ENGINE FACTORY S. VLAJKOVIĆ & SONS

The woodworking workshop of Svetozar Vlajković began operations in 1925, focusing on the overhaul of Breguet XIV aircraft and their engines, located at 63 Pozorišna Street (now Francuska Street, near the former “Kompresor” facility).

Soon afterward, the factory started producing Walter NZ engines in new facilities in Rakovica. Today, the “Jugofrigo” factory operates at that location.

TELEOPTIK AD

The first Yugoslav factory specializing in telephony, optics, and precision mechanics was founded in 1922, at 61 Francuska Street in Belgrade.

Starting in 1928, the company began producing aviation instruments. Initially, the instruments, equipment, and reflectors were manufactured under license; from 1935, the factory introduced its own solutions. On the eve of WWII, in 1940, the facility was relocated to Zemun.

In 1985, a specialized division named “Teleoptik Gyroscopes” was created, and in 1989, it became an independent company. Today, the factory continues to design, manufacture, and overhaul aircraft equipment and instruments, while significantly expanding its operations.

The factory is located in Zemun, at 139–141 Cara Dušana Street.

NESTOR AD

The precision mechanics factory “Nestor” was established in 1938 in Belgrade. It manufactured aviation instruments for domestic aircraft factories and for the military industry in general.

It was located at 312 Kralja Aleksandra Street (now Bulevar revolucije). After WWII, the factory was nationalized and became part of the Precision Mechanics Industry.

MIKRON

The company “Mikron,” specializing in optics and precision mechanics, was founded in 1931 in Belgrade. It designed and manufactured aviation instruments, and also conducted their testing and calibration.

In 1947, the company was merged into the “Tesla” factory. It was located at 94 Kralja Aleksandra Street (now Bulevar revolucije), directly across from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering.

JASENICA AD

Jasenica was the first pre-war factory in Serbia to manufacture spark plugs under license and to overhaul LOREN aircraft engines. The headquarters was located in Belgrade, at 15/V Kraljevski Trg (now Akademski Trg), while the production plant operated in Smederevska Palanka, today home to the “GOŠA” factory.

UTVA

Utva was founded in 1937 in Zemun as a cooperative workshop for the construction of sports gliders. In 1939/40, it relocated to Pančevo, settling on the meadows of the local airfield, where it began maintaining Bücker training aircraft.

After the war, the factory initially focused on aircraft repairs and equipment manufacturing. Starting in 1948, it began full-scale aircraft production. Notable models include: Trojka, 212, 213, Utva 65, 66, and 75. The company also manufactured parts for the “Orao” and “Super Galeb G-4,” as well as components and systems for international partners. More than 900 aircraft have been produced in Utva’s facilities.

In May 1996, the factory was integrated with “Lola” from Železnik and is awaiting revitalization. Following signed agreements with foreign partners, improved prospects for the factory and its workforce are anticipated.

Location: Pančevo, Jabučki put bb.

During the first night of the NATO aggression, the factory was struck by multiple projectiles and suffered extensive damage. It was targeted several more times during the conflict.

AERONAUTICAL PLANT “MOMA STANOJLOVIĆ”

Originally established in 1949 as a workshop for aircraft engine overhaul, the facility was reorganized in 1952 into the Aeronautical Technical Overhaul Plant “Moma Stanojlović,” based in Kneževac, near Belgrade. In 1971, it merged with VTRZ “Jastreb” from Zemun.

The plant adopted its current name in 1976 and relocated to the Batajnica airbase in 1977.

Its program includes the overhaul of subsonic and supersonic aircraft such as MIG-21, Orao, Galeb, Super Galeb, Jastreb, AN-2, AN-26, Canadair, Utva, Zlin, and helicopters such as Gazelle, Alouette, MI-2, MI-8, and MI-17. The facility also services piston, propeller, and turboprop engines, as well as radio-navigation, flight, and photo equipment.

The plant has developed the capacity to manufacture a wide range of aviation components and systems, supported by a highly qualified workforce and numerous specialized laboratories.

Address: 11274 Batajnica, 160 Nesvrstanih zemalja Street.

During the NATO bombing campaign, the “Moma Stanojlović” plant was repeatedly targeted and suffered severe destruction.

KNEBL & DITRIH PARACHUTE FACTORY

Founded in 1923 in Inđija as a “flying gear, parachute, and leather clothing factory,” it became the first in Yugoslavia, from 1934 onwards, to manufacture parachutes.

Production initially relied on a license from the American company “IRWIN,” later transitioning to the domestic “SPAS” model, patented in 1930 by factory co-owner Miroslav Ditrih.

Before WWII, the factory produced around 2,500 parachutes of various types. In 1947, the facility was nationalized, relocated to Belgrade, and renamed “Franjo Kluz.”

KLUZ – PARACHUTE FACTORY

Established in Belgrade in 1947, the Kluz factory specialized in producing parachutes and equipment for both sport and military aviation.

Its product portfolio includes assault, training, sports, pilot, reserve, brake, and cargo parachutes, as well as paragliders and special equipment, flight suits, and bulletproof vests.

The factory is located at 1 Franje Kluza Street, Belgrade.

DMB – 21st MAY BELGRADE

Factory of Turbine Engines and Transmissions

Founded in 1948, this factory was originally dedicated to producing aircraft engines.

Today, located in Rakovica, it manufactures licensed ASTAZOU XIV M1 jet engines for Gazelle and Gama helicopters, as well as parts for VIPER 632-41, 632-46, and 636-41 jet engines. The factory also produces helicopter transmissions, main rotor hubs, fenestrons, and many other specialized components.

Address: 11091 Belgrade – Rakovica, 1 Oslobođenja Street.

AEROINŽENJERING

A company with over thirty years of experience in consulting and engineering services related to the construction of aviation bases and airports worldwide.

“Aeroinženjering” is structured to manage projects from concept to operational deployment, including training, equipment delivery, maintenance, and service support.

Head office: New Belgrade, 42a Bulevar Nikole Tesle.

“MIHAJLO PUPIN” INSTITUTE

Research teams at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute have developed numerous aviation-related projects, including flight simulators for pilot training, visual systems for simulation, gunnery trainers for anti-aircraft systems, and radar emitter detection systems.

The institute is located at 15 Volgina Street, Zvezdara, Belgrade.

INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS

This scientific research and development institute operates within the Aeronautics Department of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade, coordinating research and design in the field of aviation.

Areas of focus include: aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aircraft structures, stability, airframe design, propulsion systems, and more.

The institute is housed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, 80 27. Marta Street, Belgrade.

MINELINŽENJERING – EVING

A company specializing in power engineering and aviation technology.

Address: 1a Ljutice Bogdana Street, Belgrade
Phone: +381 11 235-2534 ; 235-2664