Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, Fight Against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić and Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović participated in the national field exercise “CETINJE 2025” held in the historic Royal Capital Cetinje. This exercise was organized by the Directorate for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior of Montenegro and included participation from municipal protection and rescue services, the Emergency Medical Institute, the Red Cross, the air helicopter unit, many volunteers, and other relevant organizations.

The exercise simulated complex emergency response scenarios that involved significant fires and crisis situations. Its aim was to evaluate the operational readiness of the national system as we approach the upcoming summer tourist and wildfire season.

Scenarios included technical aerial reconnaissance using drones and quad bikes, forest fire suppression, evacuation efforts for civilians from several locations (including the Lovćen Bečići resort), medical care for the injured, and high-risk operations like the helicopter insertion of firefighters and the emergency landing of a FIRE BOSS 802 aircraft. All relevant services participated, including the MEDEVAC team assigned to evacuate an injured pilot.

After the successful execution of the exercise, Deputy Prime Minister and Security Sector Coordinator Aleksa Bečić addressed the attendees.

“Today, I stand before you not just as a representative of the state but as a citizen who is grateful. What you demonstrated today was more than a drill. It was not merely a protocol. It conveyed a message — that Montenegro has people it can rely on,” he stated.

Bečić praised the personnel involved in organizing and executing the tactical demonstration.

“When wildfires rage, floods loom, earthquakes hit, or a citizen faces danger — you are the first to respond. Often, you are the only ones. You do more than just protect lives — you safeguard trust. Trust in our institutions, in our nation, and in a system that not long ago, was on the brink of collapse, with only a single helicopter and lacking essential resources. And today? Today, we confidently expect four operational aircraft, we possess cutting-edge equipment, and — most importantly — we have you: trained, dedicated, and courageous professionals. That’s something no donation or budget allocation can replace,” Bečić emphasized.

He reflected on how Montenegro was once viewed as having insufficient capacity for effective protection, criticized for being too small, too poor, or too indebted, but the commitment of its professionals proved otherwise.

“Today, as Montenegro closes negotiation chapters, meets benchmarks, and moves closer to European Union integration, we proudly affirm that our civil protection and rescue system has met all Chapter 27 criteria — both in reports and in practice. In combating fires, responding to floods, landslides, disasters, and emergencies,” he noted.

He further stated that this is not just a narrative of progress but also a testament to the state’s credibility, shown through Montenegro’s recognition as a trusted international partner — a country capable of reacting, planning, and protecting. “This is not the end — this is merely the beginning. Modern threats will not wait for us to be prepared. Climate change knows no borders. Disasters do not adhere to schedules. Therefore, we must persist. To invest in aircraft. To invest in equipment. To invest in early warning systems. But above all — to invest in you,” he asserted.

In conclusion, Bečić expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all members of the protection and rescue system, emphasizing that they embody the silent strength behind Montenegro’s safety.

“Thank you for rebuilding a system that was once on its knees.
Thank you for demonstrating that Montenegro’s security does not rely on reports — it relies on character. Long live Montenegro. Long live the dignity of the Montenegrin uniform,” he concluded.