As reported at the end of last January, France finalized on April 25 the delivery of the last Rafale F3R fighter to equip the Croatian Air Force, thus completing the transfer of twelve (12) aircraft from the French Air and Space Force. The completion of the program has been highlighted by the Croatian Ministry of Defense as part of the country’s Armed Forces modernization process, allowing the replacement of the old MiG-21 Lancer fighters, which no longer perform operational missions and are awaiting their definitive retirement.
Through agreements reached between Zagreb and Paris in 2021, the Croatian Air Force launched a major modernization and capability enhancement program based on the acquisition of a fleet of twelve Rafale F3R fighters. The fleet, consisting of ten single-seat and two twin-seat aircraft, was transferred directly from the French Air and Space Force in a process that began in 2022.
This process included various efforts focused on personnel training, covering both pilots and support staff, as well as the refurbishment and adaptation of infrastructure at Pleso Airport.
By 2023, France had started the delivery process of the Rafales to the Croatian Air Force, which was completed on April 25 when the single-seat aircraft with tail number “159” arrived at Pleso Airport to join the 191st Fighter Squadron of the 91st Croatian Air Force Brigade (HRZ).
The Croatian Ministry of Defense has described the arrival and incorporation of the twelve Rafale fighters as a “historic” event, stating: “…the most important modernization in the history of the Croatian Air Force.”
Regarding the milestone, Croatian Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić stated: “Today we conclude a project that has strategically changed the Croatian Air Force. This squadron is not only a military capability but also a clear message: the Croatian Army, and particularly the Air Force, safeguard the security of Croatian citizens with modern fighter jets. The Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defense continuously invest around three billion euros in the modernization and equipment of the Croatian Armed Forces. This year, we have reached a defense spending equivalent to 2% of GDP, and by 2027 we will reach 2.5% of GDP, with a growth trend toward 3% of GDP.”
Photos: Croatian Ministry of Defense.
