The ceremony featuring the line-up of the 15th aviation regiment, which associates all aviation units of the Slovenian Armed Forces, was addressed by Defence Minister Roman Jakič as the keynote speaker.

The regiment is an important component of Slovenia's defence and rescue operations and it participates in international missions, helping people in distress, added the minister.

The helicopters of the military fleet also assist in rescue missions across Slovenia. The fleet participated last year in 156 rescue operations, bringing 145 injured or sick people to safety and transporting 20 tonnes of first aid equipment, Jakič noted.

The regiment numbers 617 soldiers, including 37 airplane pilots and 40 helicopter pilots, who had a total of 5,214 flight hours in 2013.

Its fleet comprises 16 helicopters and 25 airplanes, including 13 Pilatuses PC-9M and a Dessault Falcon 2000 EX government jet.

The minister also announced cooperation with the Hungarian air force in patrolling Slovenia's airspace. An agreement to this effect will be signed by the Slovenian and Hungarian defence ministers on 17 January.

He also spoke about a EUR 60m upgrade of the Cerklje ob Krki airbase which is expected to be finalised at the end of 2015.

The Day of Slovenian Military Aviation celebrates the first flight by a Hansa-Brandenburg C.I operated by pilots of an aircraft unit established in December 1918 by Slovenian WWI General Rudolf Maister.