Croatia may buy French Rafale fighter jets.

According to information published by Jutarnji List on May 20, 2021, Croatia has selected the Dassault Rafale F3-R as its new multirole jet fighter with an official announcement expected by the end of this month.

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Dassault Rafale F3-R fighter jet (Picture source: French Air Force)

The decision should be made by the Croatian government on 28 May on Armed Forces Day, which this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the armed forces’ formation.

The Rafale is a French-made twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike, and nuclear deterrence missions. Introduced in 2001, the Rafale is being produced for both the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations in the French Navy.

The Rafale has been marketed for export to several countries and was selected for purchase by the Indian Air Force, the Egyptian Air Force, and the Qatar Air Force. The Rafale has been used in combat over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria.

Rafale F3-R is the upgraded version of the Rafale F3 and is fitted with RBE AESA radar and an advanced infrared search tract system.