The business year for the Bijeljina-based company “Orao”, one of the most important firms of the defence industry in the Republika Srpska (RS) and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), has been completed successfully, and a period of new projects and business expansion lies ahead for the company.
Company director Marko Mrkajic stated that “Orao” is entering 2026 unburdened, with contracted work and clear plans for further development.
“We finished the year very successfully and are satisfied with the new projects we have contracted. After participating in the international arms fair EDEX in Cairo, the Ministry of Defence of Egypt expressed interest in cooperation, and we expect official requests from their side,” Mrkajic said.
The focus remains on engine overhaul, but the civilian sector is expanding
As he emphasized, the core activity of “Orao” remains the overhaul of aircraft engines, but the company’s management is intensively working on expanding cooperation with the civilian sector as well.
“In the coming period, we are planning the modernization of facilities that can generate additional revenue through civilian operations. Appearances at the ‘Partner 2025’ fair in Belgrade, as well as the first entry into the African market, have brought us valuable contacts with ministries and companies from several countries,” Mrkajic said.
He added that it is particularly significant that a joint appearance was also achieved with other defence industry enterprises from the RS, which opens space for larger and more complex projects.
Support of the RS Government and new investments in 2026
Speaking about institutional support, the director of “Orao” emphasized that the company can count on the support of the Government of RS in the coming year.
“Guidelines for support to the defence industry have already been defined, primarily through the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship. We expect concrete relief measures that will enable new investments and employment,” Mrkajic said.
He particularly emphasized the importance of employees, adding that “the workers, their knowledge and experience, are the company’s greatest capital.”
“Orao” strengthens technical capacities and cooperation with global leaders
The acting executive director for economic affairs, Mladen Lemez, emphasized that analyses and contracted work confirm that 2026 will also be a successful year.
“New projects enable the modernization of technical and human resources capacities. In aviation, you cannot survive without following international standards. ‘Orao’ was among the first in the region to introduce ISO 9001, and later the EN 9100 standard,” Lemez recalled.
He added that further improvement of these standards is also planned in the coming period.
Cooperation with Pratt & Whitney strengthens again
Lemez also recalled the long-standing cooperation with the United States (U.S.) giant Pratt & Whitney, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aircraft engines.
“During the pandemic, the volume of work was reduced, but cooperation is now returning to its previous level. We are continuing the production of parts for them and expect an expansion of cooperation in the coming period,” he said.
He added that the growth in needs within the defence industry opens new opportunities, both in the military and civilian sectors.
A financially stable company with a clear development plan
“Orao” states that the company is today financially stable, liquid, and settles all obligations on time. Finally, the company’s management extended holiday greetings to employees and partners on the occasion of the upcoming holidays, with the message that it is precisely the workers who are the driving force behind success.
“Our vision is clear growth, new markets, and the strengthening of the domestic industry. ‘Orao’ is moving forward, stronger than ever,” the company said.