Night Hawk Down

The downing of enemy aircraft, and especially the F-117A, during NATO aggression against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) has remained in the focus of both domestic and foreign public for over two decades. Various analysts, experts, journalists and even certain irresponsible members of the unit, have hence reported “new key facts” about the downing.

Through the first hand testimonies of the actors of the downing, of those who did actually assail the unassailable, we found out how the enemy aircraft were hit. It would not suffice to say that it was just the fabled “teamwork”, since immaculate team coordination does not ensure success every time. I would say that there is something even more precious in that, with the teamwork being a mere precondition. And that is the firm collective conviction that the goal is achievable, and that the unit has the strength, knowledge, energy, confidence and superiority to achieve it.

Unfortunately, such an immense success could not go without what has been traditionally present among the Serbian people over centuries, and that is friction. Even during the war and to the day, there have been attempts to present and interpret the events in a manner that is not typical of teamwork, without which successful combat action of Air Defense Rocket Units is impossible.

Events and activities surrounding the 3rd Air Defense Rocket Division during the 1999 NATO aggression on the FRY, especially in the part related to the downing of F-117A and F-16CG aircraft, are covered by several published hard copy materials as well as a number of television shows and videos. However, due to the individualized independent approach of some and the presentation of subjective views, certain events from that period were not presented in a credible way. Parts of these projects have led to disputes between members of the Combat Crews, all together staining and leaving a bad impression on these events.

We were capable of achieving this incredible success, but some of us were also capable and prepared to actualize and present it in a foul way for the sake of personal interests.

In spite of all the weaknesses, we gave it our best when it mattered, when fighting a battle and fulfilling our purpose as a unit. We are leaving success, pride and testament to the posterity, the feeling of ultimate pride and memory of those who through their knowledge, skill, wisdom and persistence defeated a force incomparably superior to our own.

As the author, I do not presume to be the owner the absolute truth. Due to the wartime circumstances, all participants in the event have their own authentic, subjective experience of the objective reality. That is why I have put my prospective of the events in the background, emphasizing other personal testimonies as authentic war documents. The truth about the “Night Hawk Down” was born from the synthesis of reliable memories of members of the Division.