The seventh Rafale multi-role combat aircraft (registration number 154) arrived in Croatia on Thursday, November 21, 2024. It landed at 3:45 p.m. at the “Pukovnik Makro Živković” barracks in Pleso. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić emphasized that one aircraft will arrive in Croatia every month until April next year.
“By the end of April 2025, we will have all 12 Rafale aircraft in Croatia, a complete squadron. Never-before-seen, even historic investments in the Croatian Army are underway, which began with the procurement of multi-role combat aircraft, and continue with the purchase of Bayraktar unmanned aerial systems, the most modern Leopard 2 A8 tanks, and the powerful HIMARS missile system,” said the Minister of Defense, adding that the equipping and modernization of the Croatian Army, carried out by the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defense, is strengthening the capabilities of the Croatian Army, as well as Croatia’s national security.
Thanking all parties involved in this significant project, from top pilots and technicians to experts and partners from the French Armed Forces, the Commander of the Croatian Air Force, Major General Michael Križanec, emphasizes that the process of implementing the project for the procurement and integration of Rafale fighter jets into the Croatian Armed Forces is proceeding by the agreed and anticipated dynamic plan without deviating from the agreed deadlines. “We are not deviating even a millimeter from our plans and set goals, which gives us additional confidence in the success of the entire project. This is another important moment for the Croatian Air Force and Croatian security, which demonstrates our determination and readiness to face all future challenges. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success,” said General Križanec.
