On April 25, 2024, around 12:00 p.m., pilots of the Croatian Air Force flying Rafale multi-purpose fighter jets made their way into Croatian airspace. The pilots had taken off from Bordeaux, France, just before 11 a.m. as they entered Croatian airspace in the Istrian County region.
Upon entering Croatian airspace, the pilots of the Croatian Air Force contacted the Croatian Air Navigation Control to announce their presence. In a historic moment, the pilots sent a message to all Croatian citizens, stating, “We are just entering Croatian airspace, which will be even safer from today. Croatian Rafales and Croatian pilots have arrived home!”
This event marked a significant moment for the Croatian Air Force, showcasing the capabilities of the new Rafale fighter jets and the skill of the Croatian pilots. The arrival of the aircraft in Croatian airspace symbolized a new level of security and defense for the country.