WesWorld

Novosti News Service, Mostar, Monday, 13 January 1943

The first production Soko Orao fighter was rolled out of the factory today to the acclaim of officials of the Defence Ministry, representatives of the Royal Yugoslav Air Force and a delegation of officers from several foreign air forces, including those of Bulgaria and Turkey. It is rumoured that the latter two nations have expressed interest in acquiring the Orao once it reaches full production. While obviously filled with pride for the accomplishment of developing such a first-rank combat aircraft a spokesman for the Soko firm indicated that it would take many months for production to meet the needs of the nation’s air force.

Domestic Ground Ordnance Production

M35 Service Pistol : 300
M29 Service Rifle : 1,500
M28 Machine Rifle : 300
M32 Machinegun : 300
M37 Submachinegun : 2,100
M39 Aircraft Machinegun : 675
M37 Tank Machinegun : 60
M35 Mortar : 120
M27/31 Mortar : 30
M42 Heavy Mortar : 40
M40 Rocket Launcher : 210
M40 Divisional Gun : 60
M30 Light Antiaircraft Gun : 60
M36 Light Antiaircraft Gun : 60
M40 Field Gun-Howitzer : 30
M32 Hand Grenade : 57,000
Small Arms Ammunition : 13,500,000
Artillery Ammunition : 186,000


Domestic Vehicle Production for Royal Yugoslav Army

Skoda 6ST 4-ton Truck : 90
Zastava M40 0.25-ton Truck : 300
Zastava M41 1.5-ton Truck : 250
Anti-tank Gun on LT.38 Chassis : 30
Lazar Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle : 15
Nemanja Armoured Car : 15


Aircraft Deliveries

Bucker Bu181 : 5
Soko Jastreb : 36
Soko Zmaj : 34
Soko Orao : 4
Ikarus IK-4 : 3
Type 222 Vihor : 9
Type 224 Galeb : 4

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
Novosti News Service, Mostar, Monday, 13 January 1943

The first production Soko Orao fighter was rolled out of the factory today to the acclaim of officials of the Defence Ministry, representatives of the Royal Yugoslav Air Force and a delegation of officers from several foreign air forces, including those of Bulgaria and Turkey. It is rumoured that the latter two nations have expressed interest in acquiring the Orao once it reaches full production. While obviously filled with pride for the accomplishment of developing such a first-rank combat aircraft a spokesman for the Soko firm indicated that it would take many months for production to meet the needs of the nation’s air force.

Which reminds me of that, yes. Bulgaria was going to ask if DAR could purchase a license to build them locally.

Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Friday, 22 January 1943

A spokesman for the Defence Ministry confirmed today reports that the Bulgarian Air Force has expressed interest in acquiring a manufacturing licence for the Soko Orao fighter aircraft. He indicated that a Bulgarian delegation has visited Mostar to initiate discussions with representatives of the Soko firm and it is expected that arrangements will be worked out very soon. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the third production machine will be delivered to the Bulgarian manufacturer DAR to serve as a pattern for domestic production.


Novosti News Service, Bar, Wednesday, 27 January 1943

The light destroyer Mitrovica completed its trials today.

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Friday, 22 January 1943

A spokesman for the Defence Ministry confirmed today reports that the Bulgarian Air Force has expressed interest in acquiring a manufacturing licence for the Soko Orao fighter aircraft. He indicated that a Bulgarian delegation has visited Mostar to initiate discussions with representatives of the Soko firm and it is expected that arrangements will be worked out very soon. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the third production machine will be delivered to the Bulgarian manufacturer DAR to serve as a pattern for domestic production.

Wooo-hooo!

*Dusts off, then hits the "Buy Balkan" button.*

Quoted

*Dusts off, then hits the "Buy Balkan" button.*

Why not create a pic of that plane with "Buy Balkan" on the side and on the wings?

Novosti News Service, Bar, Thursday, 18 February 1943

The second of three large destroyer leaders authorised for the Navy was launched here today. She was immediately towed to the fitting out wharf where work continues.


Novosti News Service, Bar, Sunday, 21 February 1943

The first small netlayer authorised for the Navy was launched today. She is expected to be completed in later in the spring. A second unit is expected to follow her on to the building ways.

Novosti News Service, Mostar, Friday, 26 February 1943

The third production Soko Orao fighter aircraft was turned over to representatives of the Bulgarian Air Force and the DAR aircraft manufacturing firm.

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
Novosti News Service, Mostar, Friday, 26 February 1943
The third production Soko Orao fighter aircraft was turned over to representatives of the Bulgarian Air Force and the DAR aircraft manufacturing firm.

At Bozhurishte Airfield, Several Days Later
Colonel Ivan Shapkarev stood at the end of the airfield with the reporters, who were complaining, somewhat predictably, about being dragged out to the airport so early on a cold morning. Shapkarev paused as he heard the first bit of engine noise, and raised his hand for silence. The reporters, slow to react and understand the gesture, continued talking... until the fighter buzzed the airfield at treetop height, Pratt & Whitney engine bellowing.

"Gentlemen, the future," Shapkarev said.

"Ooooh," all the reporters said simultaneously.

Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Monday, 8 March 1943

The State Aircraft Factory completed its 325th and final license-built Bucker Bestmann primary training aircraft, and has begun to concentrate its efforts on production of the Type 224 Galeb, which will succeed the Bestmann over the next several years. Nevertheless the German-designed aircraft, well-liked by students and instructors, will soldier on for many years to come until sufficient Galebs can be produced.


Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Sunday, 14 March 1943

The Army Demonstration Battalion took formal receipt of its first M42 Heavy Mortars today. This indigenous weapon adds greatly to the firepower of the infantry and is expected to eventually replace the regimental howitzers presently in wide-spread service.


Novosti News Service, Sjenica, Friday, 19 March 1943

No.107 (Corps Reconnaissance) Squadron was officially stood down today, handing its remaining IK-2 aircraft to storage. Attrition of the existing IK-2 force had brought its operating strength to low levels, and the decision to reduce the unit to cadre merely highlights the pressing need for a replacement reconnaissance aircraft for the Royal Yugoslav Air Force.


Novosti News Service, Bar, Monday, 29 March 1943

His Majesty King Alexsandr attended the ceremonies marking completion of the first Project 1942 Kappa destroyer leaders. The King christened the ship Zagreb, and she was formally taken into the naval service. Over the next months she will undergo her builders’ trials and working up exercises and will take her place in the fleet in late summer.

Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Wednesday, 31 March 1943

The last of the Royal Yugoslav Air Force’s Lockheed 212 navigation training aircraft was retired today. The role of training pilots and aircrew for multi-engine aircraft has been assumed by the indigenous Ikarus IK-4.