Croatia's air force transformation: Rafale jets replace MiG‑21s
According to the Militarnyj portal, Croatia has completed accepting the Rafale fighters ordered from France. This has ultimately allowed Croatia to part ways with the Soviet-era MiG-21 fighters, which had been the backbone of the Croatian air force for years.
Croatia decided to purchase 12 Rafale fighters. The last of them landed on 25th April at Franjo Tuđman Airport, meaning that the Croatian air force has completed its squadron of this type of aircraft. The French machines are replacing the worn-out MiG-21 fighters, which for years were the cornerstone of Croatian combat aviation, but today no longer represent the strength expected in NATO countries.
Modernisation of the Croatian Air Force
"Today, we complete a project that has strategically transformed the Croatian Air Force. This squadron is not just a military capability but also a clear message – the Croatian Army, and in particular the Croatian Air Force, safeguard the security of Croatian citizens with modern fighter aircraft," wrote Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić on social media.
Militarnyj reports that the contract with France for the purchase of Rafale fighters was signed in November 2021. Its value amounts to approximately £860 million. It includes not only the delivery of aircraft but also dedicated weapons, spare parts, three years of logistical support, and training of Croatian pilots and technicians in France.
Support from the French Air Force
The Rafale fighters were drawn from the French air force's inventories. By modernising its aviation, Croatia has joined the group of countries using modern military technologies, which is crucial for the region's security.
The Rafale is a multirole fighter whose design began in the 1980s, but it entered service in 2001. It uses a delta wing design with canard control surfaces and two engines, which gives the Rafale good manoeuvrability and the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.
Croatia is arming like never before
Abandoning the MiG-21 fighters is not the only indication that Croatia no longer wants to rely on Soviet-era equipment. The country had also previously parted ways with Mi-8 helicopters, which it had donated to Ukraine as part of its support. Among the new equipment purchased for the Croatian army's needs, in addition to the Rafale fighters, were Bradley armoured fighting vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, and Mistral anti-aircraft systems in recent months. The Croatian government is also making efforts to acquire HIMARS artillery.
