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Croatian Army Receives First Four Bradley Vehicles Acquired From US

Croatia has received the first four of 89 Bradley M2A2 infantry fighting vehicles ordered from the US.

The acquisition supports the modernization of Croatia’s armed forces and strengthens the country’s position within NATO.

Zagreb is purchasing the 89 vehicles under a $196.4-million contract signed in 2022. 

The deal includes $51.2 million funded by US government assistance, with Croatia covering the remaining $145.2 million by 2027.

Deliveries are expected to be completed by next year.

Croatian company Đuro Đaković will refurbish the vehicles before their official delivery to the armed forces.

The firm has already received 44 Bradleys, with eight restored to date. These include the four recently handed over and another four scheduled for delivery by the end of this month.

The country will use the eight vehicles in a BAE Systems-led program to train Croatian mechanics.

Bolstering Defense

Zagreb is increasing military spending to modernize the army’s equipment and boost defense efforts.

“The arrival of Bradley vehicles in the Croatian Armed Forces not only strengthens their defense capabilities but also the collective strength of Croatia as a member of NATO,” said Nathalie Rayes, US Ambassador to Croatia.

This year, Croatia allocated two percent of its GDP to defense spending, enhancing its ability to support NATO’s security agenda, Croatian Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić said.

“We have major procurements ahead for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, so that in the near future we can, I hope, reach three percent of GDP for equipping and modernizing the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia,” said Anušić.

Last year, the US approved Zagreb’s purchase request for eight M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin under a $390-million contract.

In January 2024, the US authorized the sale of eight UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to the Croatian Army for $500 million.

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