PHOTOS: Croatian sky now guarded by seven Rafale jets
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
By the end of April 2025, Croatia will possess all 12 Rafale fighter jets, forming a complete squadron.
On Thursday, the seventh multi-role Rafale fighter jet arrived in Croatia. It landed at 15:45 at the “Colonel Marko Živković” military base in Pleso.
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić emphasised that one aircraft will be delivered to Croatia each month until April next year.
A Milestone for Croatian Air Force and National Security
Thanking all parties involved in this significant project—from elite pilots and technicians to experts and partners from the French Armed Forces—Commander of the Croatian Air Force, Major General Michael Križanec, highlighted that the acquisition and integration of the Rafale jets into the Croatian Armed Forces is proceeding as planned, without deviations from the agreed timeline.
“We are not straying even a millimetre from our plans and set objectives, which gives us additional confidence in the overall success of this project. This is another pivotal moment for the Croatian Air Force and national security, demonstrating our resolve and preparedness to face future challenges. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed to this success,” stated General Križanec.
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
A Modernised and Stronger Croatian Armed Forces
By April 2025, Croatia will have all 12 Rafale jets, completing the squadron.
The historic investments in the Croatian Armed Forces began with the purchase of these multi-role fighter jets and continue with the acquisition of Bayraktar unmanned aerial systems, state-of-the-art Leopard 2 A8 tanks, and the advanced HIMARS missile system.
“These efforts to equip and modernise the Croatian Armed Forces, spearheaded by the Croatian Government and Ministry of Defence, significantly enhance our military’s capabilities and bolster Croatia’s national security,” said Defence Minister Anušić.
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
Deterrence Through a Strong, Modern Croatian Military
“Our doctrine is deterrence. With a well-equipped, strong, and modern Croatian Armed Forces, we will deter anyone who might consider threatening Croatia’s territorial integrity amidst the current global and European security challenges,” Defence Minister Ivan Anušić concluded.
