The last Rafale fighter aircraft arrived in Croatia this week. With its arrival, the delivery of all ordered aircraft has been completed and the squadron of modern multi-role combat aircraft from the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation French manufacturer Dassault Aviation is complete.
At the end of the largest modernization initiative in the history of the Croatian Air Force, the country now has twelve Rafale fighter aircraft, which “set standards in the region both technologically and operationally”, according to an official statement from the Croatian Ministry of Defence.
The timing of the delivery is particularly symbolic: exactly one year earlier, on April 25, 2024, the first six Rafale were ceremoniously received at the “Colonel Marko Živković” air force base in Pleso.
Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić expressed his enthusiasm: “Today we are completing a project that has permanently changed the strategic orientation of the Croatian Air Force. This squadron is not only an expression of military strength, but also a clear sign: The Croatian army and especially the air force ensure the safety of our citizens with state-of-the-art technology.”
In his statement, Anušić also addressed the increasing defence spending: “The Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defence are currently investing around three billion euros in modernizing and equipping our armed forces. Already this year, we will reach defense spending of 2 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP). By 2027, we will reach 2.5 percent – with the clear prospect of further increasing this share to 3 percent.”
Here for more news about Dassault Aviation and here to further news about the Croatian armed forces.
