The Serbian River Flotilla has a long history, starting in the 1500s. Brave river soldiers, called šajkaši, guarded the Danube and Sava, protecting Belgrade from the Ottoman Empire. These skilled fighters famously won battles in 1456 and 1526. Later, many joined Austria's fleet, and a special battalion helped free Belgrade in 1789.
In 1834, Serbia launched its first naval vessel, the brig "Srbija." The river fleet grew, and it famously used naval mines on the Danube in 1876. This was the first reported use of such a tactic in Europe. During World War I, Serbia received a patrol boat named "Jadar" that helped with mine laying.
After World War I, the new Kingdom of Yugoslavia gained powerful monitor ships. These monitors, from the Austro-Hungarian navy, defended rivers and cleared mines. They also gave support to soldiers on land. During World War II, the flotilla fought bravely, even attacking enemy airfields, but lost its monitor "Drava."
Later in World War II, a new Partisan Naval Company formed. It successfully attacked enemy river traffic and moved soldiers and supplies. The flotilla kept improving through Socialist Yugoslavia, getting modern ships like minesweepers. It also played an active part in the War in Croatia in 1991, patrolling the Danube.
