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Croatia Orders German Leopard 2A8 Tanks in Exchange for Sending M-84A4 Tanks to Ukraine.
In November 2024, Croatia confirmed the delivery of 30 M-84A4 Sniper tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, significantly enhancing Kyiv’s ground capabilities while initiating the modernization of its own military equipment. This transfer, conducted in coordination with Germany, includes 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, spare parts, and ammunition. As part of the agreement, Croatia will receive a fleet of advanced Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, ensuring the upgrade of its own armored forces. This move aligns with a broader European effort to coordinate support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression.
M-84A4 Main Battle Tank based on the Soviet T-72M1 Chassis (Picture source: Croatia MoD)
On October 28, 2024, in Berlin, Croatian and German Defense Ministers Ivan Anušić and Boris Pistorius signed a letter of intent confirming this transfer. In return, Germany committed to financing Croatia’s acquisition of 50 state-of-the-art Leopard 2A8 tanks. This initiative is part of a coordinated military assistance effort by several Western nations to strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities with proven equipment. Simultaneously, Croatia will join the Leopard 2A8 procurement program alongside the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The agreement between Croatia and Germany is a strategic exchange that benefits both countries while strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities. Croatia will sell 30 of its M-84 tanks to Germany at an advantageous price of €4.1 million per unit. In return, Croatia will join Germany's joint procurement program, which also includes Norway and the Czech Republic, to acquire the latest-generation Leopard 2A8 tanks. These vehicles, known for their advanced technology and superior operational capabilities, will be delivered to Croatia starting in 2027, two years after the contract is signed. This arrangement allows Croatia to modernize its military forces with equipment that meets NATO standards while actively participating in a project that aligns with the interests of Germany, Ukraine, and NATO member states.
The M-84A4 Sniper, based on the Soviet T-72M1, represents a modernized version produced under license in the former Yugoslavia and adapted to regional needs. Since the 2000s, these vehicles have been upgraded to meet modern tactical requirements, including a DBR-84 ballistic computer for improved firing accuracy and an SCS-84 day/night sight. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower V46-TK diesel engine, these tanks offer solid mobility and firepower. However, their lack of dynamic armor or active protection systems makes them vulnerable to modern anti-tank munitions.
The M-84 and M-84A are main battle tanks developed by the former Yugoslavia, based on the Soviet T-72 but adapted to meet regional needs. Introduced in 1984, the base model M-84 retained the characteristics of the T-72M, featuring a 125 mm main gun, an autoloading system, and a 780-horsepower diesel engine, though it was limited by relatively simple armor and electronic systems. In 1988, the M-84A brought significant upgrades, including reinforced composite armor, a more powerful 1,000-horsepower engine, an advanced fire control system for improved accuracy, and enhanced protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. These improvements enabled the M-84A to compete with contemporary tanks such as the Leopard 2A1. The development of these tanks follows a timeline that began in 1979 with the design of the M-84, its entry into service in 1984, and the introduction of the M-84A in 1988. The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s led to the dispersion of production across several countries, such as Croatia and Serbia, each proposing additional upgrades, including the Croatian M-84D and the Serbian M-84AS. These developments have allowed these tanks to remain competitive in modern military operations.
By transferring these tanks, Croatia addresses Ukraine's urgent need for additional ground vehicles suited to rapid operations where mobility and firepower are critical. This support directly bolsters Ukraine's battlefield capabilities.
The transfer also includes 30 BVP M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, designed in the former Yugoslavia. While visually similar to Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2 vehicles, the M-80 features a unique design, including a 20mm HS.804 automatic cannon and light armor. These versatile vehicles, designed for troop transport and infantry support, provide good maneuverability and moderate firepower, making them ideal for armed reconnaissance and support missions. Despite their age, the M-80s remain in good condition due to regular maintenance, ensuring reliability for field operations.
In exchange for this equipment, Croatia will receive financial support from Germany to acquire 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks, among the most advanced in the world. These vehicles feature superior capabilities, including enhanced armor and the Trophy active protection system, designed to intercept anti-tank threats before impact. These acquisitions will modernize Croatia’s armed forces, aligning them with NATO technological standards and enhancing their ability to respond to modern threats.
By transferring its 30 M-84A4 Sniper tanks and M-80 vehicles, Croatia pursues a dual objective: supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts while renewing its own military equipment. This model of cooperation, combining European solidarity with military modernization, reflects a strategy adopted by several countries across the continent. This initiative underscores the importance of a collective and proactive response to current security challenges.
The delivery of M-84A4 Sniper tanks to Ukraine significantly strengthens its ground forces in comparison to Russian equipment. As a modernized version of the T-72M1, the M-84A4 boasts notable improvements, such as the DBR-84 ballistic computer for accurate firing on the move and the SCS-84 day/night sight for effective operations in low-visibility conditions. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower engine, it delivers good mobility and solid firepower through its 125mm cannon, equivalent to those on Russian T-72 and T-90 tanks. These features make it competitive against standard T-72s and less-modernized T-80s, though it lags behind T-90M tanks equipped with advanced active protection systems and improved armor.
However, the M-84A4 has limitations, particularly the absence of dynamic armor or active protection systems, leaving it vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons. Despite this, it remains a tactical asset for the Ukrainian army, capable of bolstering rapid offensives and complementing existing tanks like the T-72M1 and Leopard 2A4. While not matching the most advanced models, the M-84A4 provides an effective response to numerical and technological imbalances on the battlefield, especially in scenarios prioritizing mobility and precision
Croatia has actively supported Ukraine by providing various military equipment. In 2022, it delivered at least fifteen M-46 130mm field guns, bolstering Ukraine's artillery capabilities. In March 2023, Croatia announced the donation of 14 Mi-8 military transport helicopters to Ukraine, enhancing the country's aerial mobility. Additionally, portable air defense systems such as Strijela and Igla MANPADS were supplied, alongside D-30 howitzers, various AK assault rifle models, 5,000 FN FAL rifles, anti-tank weapons, and protective gear. These contributions highlight Croatia's continued commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.