Marko Mrkajić: Eighty-One Years of Existence – Proof of “Orao’s” Strength and Significance
Ahead of October 30 – the “Orao” Company Day – the director of this Bijeljina-based company, Marko Mrkajić, stated that eighty-one years of existence speak volumes about the company’s importance and stature, both for its employees and for the aviation and defense industries of the Republic of Srpska, Serbia, and all the countries around the world with which “Orao” has been cooperating for decades.
Mrkajić emphasized that the company’s management is marking its eighty-first anniversary with clear goals and plans aimed at opening new markets and securing new business opportunities.
“The eighty-first birthday of ‘Orao’ carries within it the history, knowledge, and experience of all the employees who have built this company – from the very first workers who repaired aircraft engines in a small workshop in Pančevo in 1944, to today’s engineers and technicians who overhaul aircraft engines for the Ministry of Defence of Serbia or, for instance, for the Indian Air Force.
Each celebration of October 30 is a confirmation that ‘Orao’ and its employees are on the right path,” said Mrkajić.
He pointed out that “Orao” is undoubtedly the cornerstone of the defense industry of the Republic of Srpska, and that the company’s strategy in the coming years will focus on fostering cooperation among all enterprises in this field – both to facilitate obtaining new contracts and to ensure a stronger presence in international markets.
“The International Arms Fair in Belgrade, where we presented ourselves in September alongside Tehnički Remont Bratunac, allowed us to establish numerous contacts and launch initiatives for future cooperation.
It provided us with a clear direction on how to proceed – uniting capacities, workforce, and expertise – if we aim to position the Republic of Srpska as an indispensable player on the global aerospace map,” highlighted Mrkajić.
According to him, modernization of “Orao’s” production units and departments will be a top priority in order to improve key processes.
“The company possesses personnel, certifications, and equipment that many European countries do not have, and our services are in demand both by companies from the aerospace industry and by external clients from the civil sector.
The fact that we cooperate with world-renowned aerospace companies speaks to our professionalism; however, in certain sectors, modernization is inevitable, and we will make every effort to implement it with the support of the Government of the Republic of Srpska,” Mrkajić stated.
He emphasized that October 30 and the company’s eighty-first anniversary are also an opportunity to pay tribute to all “Orao” employees who gave their lives for the Republic of Srpska during the Defensive Homeland War.
“With deep respect, on the Company Day we will remember all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Without their courage, dedication, and patriotism, it is uncertain whether ‘Orao’ would have survived – or whether we would today have a free Republic of Srpska,” Mrkajić concluded.
