Zeljava Underground Air Base

by Renaud Mayers

3 years ago

Reading Time: 2 mins read

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Zeljava Air Base

Zeljava Underground Air Base. The Yugoslavian underground airbase.

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One of the most expensive military project in post-war Europe, it took 20 years to build. The base could house 3 full squadron of MiG-21 and was surrounded on the surface by 5 runways.

Up to 1000 people could operate and shelter inside the base for up to 30 days in a row if needed. Zeljava was designed to withstand a direct impact from a 40 kiloton nuclear warhead. Nowadays, the base straddles the border between Croatia and Bosnia. Visiting is extremely dangerous as thousands of anti-personal mines are still present throughout the site on the surface.

Renaud Mayers

Currently working on behalf of the Belgian Ministry of Defence, thanks to my knowledge in WWII and other areas. Working in two WWII era fortresses still belonging to the Army.