Dornier Do 17 in Yugoslav Service

Yugoslavia operated a total of 70 Dornier Do 17K bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. These were similar to the Do 17E, but powered by French Gnome-Rhône Mistral Major engines and armed with Belgian FN 7.9 mm machine guns.

Dornier produced 20 Do 17Ka-1 bombers which were delivered in late 1937 and early 1938. An additional contract was signed on January 1939 for 14 Do 17Ka-2 and two Do 17Ka-3.

A production license was obtained for 36 additional aircraft to be built in Yugoslavia. However, by the time o the German invasion of 6 April 1941 only 33 had been produced.

Total Yugoslav losses during the German invasion were four destroyed in aerial combat and 45 destroyed on the ground.

Between 14 and 15 April, seven Do 17Ks flew to Nikšić airport and took part in the evacuation of King Petar II and members of the Yugoslav government to Greece. During this operation, the Yugoslav gold reserves were also airlifted to Greece by seven Do 17s. After completing their task, five Do 17Ks were destroyed when Italian aircraft attacked Paramithia airbase in Greece. Only two Do 17Kb-1s escaped destruction and later joined the RAF in Egypt, where they were allocated the serial numbers AX707 and AX706.

Captured Do 17Ks were passed on to Germany’s allies, with 11 going to Bulgaria and at least 11 to the Independent State of Croatia. Italy captured at least one aircraft, which was evaluated until September 1943, while Hungary operated a single Do 17Ka-3.