(kroat)/KG 53), established in Agram (Zagreb) July 1942, operated the Dornier Do 17 Z. Kampfgeschwader 53 was formed on 1 May 1939 with Stab/KG 53 and I. Gruppe at Ansbach, II.

Its targets included night attacks against RAF Fighter Commands airfields, most in East Anglia.

The Geschwader supported the operations of Army Group Centre in the initial phase of the war in the east.

Strategic bombing attacks were also conducted against Gorki in June 1943, aimed at the Tank factory at Gorkovskiy Avtomobilniy.

1 plants 50 buildings, 9,000 metres of conveyors, 5,900 units of equipment and 8,000 tank engines were destroyed or damaged.

The operation, named Zaunkönig, struck at American airfields (Poltava Air Base) in Ukraine.

The Russians failed to defend these aircraft from Luftwaffe attacks and the bombing destroyed some 44 B-17 bombers and damaged 26 others.

However, the Soviets began Operation Bagration soon after, and the Kampfgeschwaders switched back to supporting ground forces.

Operations were suspended on 25 January 1945, due to fuel shortages, Allied defences, and the inability to determine the results.