On Thursday, November 7, 2024, MORANE FRA Rafale Deployment in Croatia was held in Pleso. This was the first regular annual gathering of international activities of the Croatian Air Force (HRZ) and French Air and Space Forces teams, with the aim of exchanging experience and interacting with pilots, aviation technicians, and other stakeholders in servicing and arming the Rafale.
The MORANE activity, a version of the NATO Agile Combat Employment concept, is a demonstration and confirmation of HRZ’s adopted capabilities in receiving, servicing, maintaining, and arming the Rafale, and is the result of successful cooperation between HRZ and the French Air Force through the format of the Military Cooperation Forum.
Many high-ranking guests attended the gathering, including HRZ commander Major General Michael Križanac, French Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Fabien Fieschi, and others.
Among other things, General Križanec points out: “…this activity not only demonstrates the willingness, readiness, and quality of training that Croatian airmen have undergone in France but also testifies to the very strong will and readiness that we will invest in the future to be a very powerful air force, ready to defend our country and allies.”
French Ambassador Fieschi pointed out that the regular implementation of MORANA activities will strengthen bilateral defense relations and cooperation between Croatia and France, all with the aim of promoting the common interests of both countries and strengthening NATO and the European Union.
The Chief of Staff of the Command for Air Defense and Air Operations of the French Air and Space Forces, Major General Guillaume Thomas expressed his impression of the HRZ facilities at Ples and the abilities and exchange of experience of the airmen in dealing with the HRZ Rafales in just a few months since their introduction into service.
