The Croatian Air Force entered a new era on Thursday (26) with the arrival of the top six Dassault Rafale fighters, made in France. The delivery of the planes takes place less than three years after the signing of the contract, in November 2021. 

The delivery of the first batch of Rafale F3-Rs was celebrated at the air base in the capital Zagreb, with the presence of President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić. “This is a historic moment for Croatia, we made our dream come true”, declared Prime Minister Plenković during the ceremony.

The new planes are the first of 12 acquired and will be incorporated into the 191st Squadron of the Croatian Air Force. The remaining six aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, allowing the formation of a complete squadron. The first jet, a Rafale B, had been delivered in October last year. 

By X, NATO also celebrated the arrival of the Rafales, stating that “A modernization like this improves the capabilities of the Allies and increases the security” of the military Alliance. Croatia has been part of NATO since 2009. 

Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault, states that the transfer flight, carried out by the Croatian Air Force, attests to the excellence of its pilots and personnel. “Dassault Aviation is fully committed to completing the full integration and logistical support of the Rafale into the Croatian Air Force, which will contribute to ensuring Croatia's sovereignty and will enable it to successfully carry out its operational missions within NATO,” he declared. 

Valued at 3 billion euros, the purchase of the new jets also covers weapons systems, spare parts, logistical support and pilot training carried out in France. With the acquisition, Croatia became the fifth export customer for the French multirole jet, which will replace the aging fleet of Soviet-era Mikoyan MiG-21 Fishbed fighters. 

With information AP.