A restored Croatian MiG-21 fighter jet was lifted into place today on Srđ Mountain overlooking Dubrovnik, marking the arrival of a striking new memorial at one of the city’s most symbolically important locations. The aircraft is being installed in front of the Homeland War Museum at Fort Imperial, the hilltop stronghold that played a decisive role in the defence of Dubrovnik.

The installation follows an agreement signed in March between the City of Dubrovnik and Croatia’s Ministry of Defence, granting the city a decommissioned MiG-21 free of charge. The fighter jet will now become a permanent outdoor exhibit on Srđ, serving as a tribute to all who contributed to the defence of the city and to the creation of a free and independent Croatia.

The City of Dubrovnik financed the transport and installation of the aircraft, which arrived on the mountain earlier today to the attention of residents, veterans, and visitors.

The choice of location carries deep symbolism. The planned sculpture park on Srđ lies on ground where, in 1992, Croatian Air Force MiG-21s carried out the first supersonic combat missions in the operation to liberate southern Croatia. Those flights over Srđ marked a turning point in the push to restore control over the Dubrovnik region.

By placing the restored jet at Fort Imperial, the city aims not only to preserve an important piece of military history, but also to create a lasting reminder of the courage displayed during one of the most critical chapters in Dubrovnik’s past.

The MiG-21 will be fully positioned in the coming days, becoming one of the most prominent new landmarks on Srđ and a powerful visual symbol of freedom overlooking the city it once helped protect.

@dubrovnik_times MiG installed on the top of Srd mountain overlooking Dubrovnik as an honour to veterans of the Homeland War #croatia #dubrovnik #MiG #homelandwar #fighterplane ♬ Fly - Art Music