The Croatian Air Force has taken delivery of its seventh of 12 pre-owned Rafale combat aircraft from France as part of a foreign military sale signed in 2021.
The handover is part of Zagreb’s ongoing transition from its Soviet-made MiG-21 supersonic jets operational since the country’s independence in 1991.
Croatia’s defense agency noted that the deliveries of the Dassault-made platform will continue, with one unit to be shipped monthly until next year’s second quarter.
“We do not deviate even a millimeter from our plans and set goals, which gives us additional confidence in the success of the entire project,” Croatian Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Michael Križanec remarked.
“This is another important moment for the Croatian Air Force and Croatian security, which clearly shows our determination and readiness to face all future challenges. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success.”
Bolstering Deterrence
Croatia revealed the selection of French Rafales over American and Israeli F-16 Fighting Falcons as well as the Swedish Jas 39 Gripen in 2021.
Two years later, the first planes arrived at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base. It was followed by five more until April.
Alongside the fleet, the project is supplying associated equipment, training, and spare parts for three years.
“Never-ever-larger, even historic investments in the Croatian Army are underway, which started with the acquisition of multi-purpose 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,” Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić stated.
“Our doctrine is deterrence, and with the equipped, strong, modern Croatian army, we will deter all those who, in the conditions of the disturbed security situation in the world and Europe, would have the intention of threatening Croatian territorial integrity.”
Dassault’s Rafale
The Rafale is a 15-meter (49-foot) aircraft that has a wingspan of 48 meters (157 feet). It can be armed with autocannons, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, and nuclear missiles.
The plane’s avionics incorporate an electronic warfare system, radar, and a long-range infra-red search and track solution.
The Rafale is equipped with twin Snecma M88 turbofan engines for a top speed of Mach 1.8 (2,223 kilometers/1,381 miles per hour), a service ceiling of 15,835 meters (51,952 feet), and a range of 3,700 kilometers (2,299 miles).