The Croatian government is sending Yugoslavian military vehicles to Ukraine in support of its defenses against Russia’s invasion.
The 144.8-million-euro ($152.8-million) package incorporates M-84 main battle tanks, the M-80 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, related parts, and shells for Kyiv.
Although no quantity was disclosed, articles revealed in Zagreb of its planned Ukrainian military aid initially published in October referred to approximately 30 tanks and 30 combat vehicles.
Croatia noted that this initiative will benefit its army’s modernization efforts, which involves the acquisition of Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from Germany, as the value of the dispatched Eastern European-made vehicles to Ukraine will be deducted from the total cost of the newer platforms.
“For the ceded material resources, the Federal Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany will make a payment by November 30, 2024, to the state budget…while the remaining financial resources for procurement should be planned in the state budget at the Ministry of Defense’s division,” Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić confirmed during a cabinet meeting.
Further Assistance Expected
The decision follows Anušić’s announcement of Zagreb’s continued support for Kyiv during a meeting with Ukrainian Parliament Vice President Olena Kondratiuk.
“Croatia has gone through a similar history as Ukraine in its struggle for independence, autonomy and democracy, so we understand very well what you are going through,” Anušić stated.
“It was Ukraine that was among the first countries to recognize Croatia’s independence in 1991. We don’t forget that and we never will. Croatia will continue to provide firm assistance and support to Ukraine.”
The M-84 and M-80 Systems
The M-84 is based on the Soviet T-72M and became active in the 1990s during the Persian Gulf War and the Yugoslav Wars.
The 7-meter (23-foot) tank is equipped with a 125-millimeter smoothbore cannon, machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers.
It is equipped with a 1,000-horsepower V-46 diesel engine for a speed of 68 kilometers (42 miles) per hour and a range of 700 kilometers (435 miles).
Meanwhile, the M-80 was also deployed during the Yugoslav conflict as well as in Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
It also measures 7 meters long and has similar overall dimensions to the M-84. It can carry up to seven people and fire a 20-millimeter cannon in addition to anti-tank guided missiles.
The M-80 is powered by a Daimler Benz engine with 320 horsepower for a top speed of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour and an operational range of 500 kilometers (311 miles).