Croatia will purchase 12 used French F3R Rafale fighter jets to modernize the country’s air force.
This was stated on Friday by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, according to Balkan Insight.
“This is the biggest investment in the Croatian armed forces, the biggest investment in ensuring lasting peace and security for Croatian citizens,” the Prime Minister said.
The cost of the fighters was estimated at 999 million euros.
In addition to the selected French jets, the new American F-16 Block 70, the new Swedish JAS-39 Gripen, and the former Israeli F-16 Barak also participated in the tender for the purchase of new-generation fighters.
Plenkovic said the French offer was advantageous because “ for the least money Croatia gets the best and best-equipped aircraft.”
Croatia expects the planes in early 2024, in which, according to Plenkovic, the price of 999 million euros includes everything: “The planes, simulators, equipment, and training of our pilots, who will remain in France for a couple of years.”
He blamed previous governments for “not making decisions that will further strengthen the Croatian Air Force.”
