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Croatia to Transfer M-84 Tanks and M-80 IFVs to Ukraine in Exchange for Leopard 2A8 Tanks.
On October 28, 2024, in Berlin, Croatian and German Defense Ministers Ivan Anušić and Boris Pistorius signed a letter of intent confirming Croatia’s plan to transfer its M-84 tanks and M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to the Ukrainian armed forces. In return, Germany has committed to financially support Croatia’s acquisition of 50 advanced Leopard 2A8 tanks. This initiative forms part of a coordinated military aid effort led by several Western countries, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities with proven equipment. Concurrently, Croatia will join the Leopard 2A8 procurement program alongside the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Croatia intends to transfer 30 M-84 tanks, a widely used armored vehicle model in the Balkans originating from the former Yugoslavia (Picture source: Morh)
Croatia intends to transfer 30 M-84 tanks, a widely used armored vehicle model in the Balkans originating from the former Yugoslavia. Based on the Soviet T-72M1, these tanks were produced under license in Yugoslavia and adapted to regional needs. Since the early 2000s, Croatia has upgraded its M-84 fleet to the M-84A4 Sniper standard, which includes a DBR-84 ballistic computer for enhanced firing accuracy and an SCS-84 day/night gunner sight. With a 1,000-horsepower V46-TK diesel engine, the tanks offer solid mobility; however, their armor remains unchanged, lacking additional dynamic protection, making them less resistant to modern anti-tank munitions compared to more advanced models like the Leopard 2A8. Despite this limitation, the M-84 is well-suited for operations where mobility and firepower are prioritized over advanced protection.
The transfer also includes 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles. Though similar in appearance to the Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2, the M-80 is a uniquely Yugoslav design, featuring a 20mm HS.804 automatic cannon and light armor protection. Primarily used for troop transport and infantry support, M-80s are versatile on the battlefield, offering rapid maneuverability and moderate firepower suitable for support and armed reconnaissance missions. Despite their age, these vehicles remain in good condition and are regularly maintained, ensuring reliability for field operations.
Croatia’s decision to send these vehicles to Ukraine is strategically driven, reflecting a growing solidarity with Ukraine as the conflict with Russia intensifies. By transferring equipment it can temporarily spare, Croatia secures the renewal of its own military assets with German support. This partnership with Germany allows Croatia to acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks, among the most advanced in the world, providing enhanced protection, optimized firepower, and cutting-edge technologies such as the Trophy active protection system, which intercepts anti-tank threats before they impact the vehicle. Already deployed by several European countries, the Leopard 2A8 strengthens Croatia's defense capacity while aligning its equipment with NATO standards.
The M-80 is a uniquely Yugoslav design, featuring a 20mm HS.804 automatic cannon and light armor protection (Picture source: WikiCommons)
For Ukraine, receiving the M-84 and M-80 vehicles represents a substantial material boost. These vehicles can be readily integrated into Ukrainian forces, which are accustomed to operating Soviet and post-Soviet armored designs. This transfer complements equipment shipments from other European countries, fostering a unified approach in Western military support.
The sale of Croatian vehicles occurs within a broader context of strengthened European defense cooperation, where nations align efforts to support Ukraine while modernizing their forces. This strategy allows countries like Croatia to retire older military vehicles while benefiting from advanced technology, such as the Leopard 2A8 tanks, partially funded by the resources generated through this collaborative support. Over time, this model may serve as a template for other nations seeking to combine international support with military modernization.
Although delivery timelines and financial details remain to be finalized, Croatia's priority is clear: to contribute significantly to Ukraine’s defense while upgrading its own capabilities. By transferring its M-84 and M-80 vehicles, Croatia demonstrates support for Ukraine while leveraging a strengthened European cooperation framework. This transfer goes beyond symbolic support, marking a direct involvement in Ukraine's defense efforts with a tangible impact on the battlefield.