In a press statement following the arrival of the first set of Rafale multipurpose fighter planes in Croatia, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced that the next major project for the possible third government will be the acquisition of multi-purpose ships for the Croatian Navy. This project aims to enhance the Croatian Army by complementing the existing multi-purpose planes.
The first batch of six Rafale fighter jets landed in Croatia as part of a contract signed with France over two years ago. This delivery marks the beginning of a total of 12 planes that will be delivered by the beginning of the following year. Plenkovic highlighted the significance of the strategic partnership with France that has been in place since 2010, emphasizing the importance of protecting Croatian national interests.
Plenkovic praised the state-of-the-art capabilities of the Rafale aircraft, which can serve as fighters, scouts, tactical and strategic bombers, and tankers. These new planes will significantly enhance the Croatian Air Force’s capabilities. A military pilot who flew one of the new aircraft expressed the joy of returning home and being part of such a momentous occasion.
The arrival of the Rafale jets represents a significant milestone in Croatia’s military modernization efforts. The pilots noted that the new planes offer increased agility, power, and tactical capabilities compared to previous aircraft. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the strength of the partnership with France and the benefits it brings to Croatia’s defense capabilities.