
The third multi-purpose combat aircraft, the first Rafale single-seater is owned by the Republic of Croatia | Photo: CAF
The third multi-purpose combat aircraft, the first Rafale single-seater is owned by the Republic of Croatia
“The first three guardians of the Croatian sky are owned by the Republic of Croatia, and this happened on the eve of the Remembrance Day of Vukovar and Škabrnja Victims, the day that calls for common national pride and dignity,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Anušić
The handover of the third Rafale multi-purpose combat aircraft, i.e. the transfer of ownership between the Republic of France and the Republic of Croatia, took place on Friday, November 17, 2023 in France. In this way, Croatia acquired the first Rafale single-seater.
It is the third of the 12 Rafale aircraft, a multi-purpose combat aircraft of the 4.5+ generation of the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Croatia acquired these aircraft from France for the needs of the Croatian Air Force. So far, Croatia has taken over two two-seater aircraft.
“This is a big day for the Croatian Air Force pilots and aviation technicians, and also for the entire Croatian nation. The first three guardians of the Croatian sky are owned by the Republic of Croatia, and this happened on the eve of the Remembrance Day of the Vukovar and Škabrnja Victims, the day that calls for common national pride and dignity. This is a strong message for generations to come, and thanks to the knowledge, sacrifice and wisdom of Croatian war veterans, we continue to build a modern and powerful defence system,” Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said, pointing out that this one of the indicators of the successful dynamics of Rafale deliveries to Croatia.
The handover of the first Rafale aircraft took place on October 2, 2023 at the French Air Force Base Mont-de-Marsan in France, while the handover of all 12 Rafale aircraft is scheduled as follows: four aircraft in late 2023, four aircraft in 2024, and four aircraft in early 2025.
The gradual delivery of all Rafale aircraft and accompanying equipment to Croatia is expected to take place in 2024 and early 2025.
By introducing the Rafale multi-purpose combat aircraft into operational use, Croatia maintains its sovereignty in the national airspace, becomes a possible regional guarantor of the airspace security of the countries in the region, and sets new standards in equipment.
It will also maintain and significantly improve the current capabilities and potential of the combat component of the Croatian Air Force. In the same way, the overall combat power of the Croatian Armed Forces will be significantly increased, and the long-standing tradition of combat aviation will also be preserved.
