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)
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.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace team up on UAS opportunities
The two companies will work together to explore ways to collaborate on the development of uncrewed air systems.
-
Hunt begins for drone to team with British Army Apaches
Known as Project Nyx, the flagship opportunity would look to award up to four contracts for initial development of the ACP concept demonstrator by 2026.
-
GA-ASI unveils Gambit 6 for air-to-ground operations
The new uncrewed combat aerial vehicle is built from the existing Gambit series, with a focus on deep precision strike and SEAD mission roles.
-
Evolving for the future fight
Built on a 60-year heritage of providing the Department of Defense with solutions to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum.