Croatia receives six Rafale fighter jets

The French Dassault Rafale F3R fighter jets that will be used by the Croatian Air Force have arrived at an airbase near Zagreb.

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Croatian pilots who trained in the French Aerospace Forces delivered the fighter jets from the Dassault Aviation base in Mérignac, France. The aircraft will join the 191st Fighter Squadron HRZ and PZO.

During the ceremony at the base, they were welcomed by Croatian President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić.

"This is a historic day for Croatia. From today, the first six Rafale multi-role fighter jets are guarding the Croatian skies," Prime Minister Plenković said.

Croatia signed the Rafale contract on 25 November 2021. The country paid one billion euros for 12 used French Rafales. The deal also includes weapons systems, spare parts, logistics and training. The rest of the aircraft will arrive at the end of 2024, and a full squadron will be formed by mid-2025.

Source: European Security & Defence