Croatia receives first batch of French Rafale fighter jets
The Dassault Rafale is a delta-wing agile aircraft with forward canards, which allow for short landing and slower speeds. (Photo: Dassault Aviation)
Croatia will receive a total of 12 used Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft from France by 2025.
France has delivered the first six Rafale fighters to the Croatian Air Force. The jets, four single-seat and two dual-seat, landed at Zagreb on 25 April.
Croatia confirmed the procurement of 12 second-hand French multirole fighters to replace its ageing MiG-21 fleet in May 2021.
In November 2021, a €1.1 billion (US$1.2 billion) contract was signed to procure 12 second-hand fighters comprising 10 single-seat and two dual-seat aircraft. All fighters will be provided with the F3R standard.
Alongside the fighters, the Croatian Air Force will also receive a flight simulator, a basic weapons package, ground and test equipment, spare parts, personnel training and a field support package covering a period of three years and a warranty of 12 months. Deliveries will be set to conclude by the end of next year.
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