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France Continues Rafale F3R Deliveries to Croatia with Arrival of Seventh Fighter Jet.
On November 21, 2024, Croatia received its seventh Rafale fighter jet, delivered by Dassault Aviation as part of its ambitious armed forces modernization program. The aircraft landed at 3:45 PM at the “Colonel Marko Živković” barracks in Pleso, marking an important step in the integration of this high-tech fleet. The delivery of all twelve Rafales, scheduled at a rate of one aircraft per month, is expected to be completed by April 2025, providing Croatia with a full squadron.
Dassault Aviation Rafale F3R Fighter Jet Lands in Croatia (Picture source: Croatia MoD)
In May 2021, Croatia signed a landmark agreement with France for the acquisition of 12 Rafale F3R fighter jets as part of its military modernization efforts. This €1 billion contract includes not only the delivery of the aircraft but also the training of Croatian pilots and technicians, as well as logistical support equipment. The first Rafales were officially handed over to Croatia on October 2, 2023, during a ceremony at the Mont-de-Marsan airbase in France. Since then, deliveries have continued regularly at a rate of one per month, with completion anticipated in April 2025. This rigorous schedule reflects the close cooperation between France and Croatia, enabling the latter to replace its aging Soviet-designed MiG-21 fleet with a modern force that meets NATO standards, thereby strengthening its national sovereignty and integration into the Atlantic Alliance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić described this acquisition as a historic moment for the Croatian Armed Forces. He emphasized that this project, the largest defense investment in the country’s history, is part of a broader strategy that also includes the acquisition of advanced drones, Leopard 2A8 tanks, and HIMARS rocket systems. According to Anušić, these efforts are aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and enhancing the country’s deterrence capabilities. “With a well-equipped and modern army, we deter anyone who might consider threatening our territorial integrity,” he said.
The integration of Rafales into the armed forces is progressing according to schedule, stated Major General Michael Križanec, commander of the Croatian Air Force. He praised this significant milestone, noting that it strengthens national security and prepares the country to face future challenges. The Rafales will gradually replace the aging fleet of MiG-21bis and MiG-21UMD jets, which have been in service for decades. These new aircraft are assigned to the 191st Fighter Squadron based in Pleso and are operated by Croatian pilots trained in France.
The Rafale F3R, designed by Dassault Aviation, represents a major technological advancement. This twin-engine multirole fighter jet, with its delta wings and canard configuration, is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, reconnaissance, ground strikes, deep strikes, anti-ship operations, and nuclear deterrence. The F3R variant acquired by Croatia includes cutting-edge technologies such as the Thales TALIOS laser designation pod, enabling precision strikes up to 70 km away, the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile, and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS). These innovations ensure that Rafale remains at the forefront of operational capabilities through 2050.
To ensure the optimal integration of the Rafales, Croatian pilots underwent intensive training with the Rafale Transformation Squadron (ETR) 3/4 “Aquitaine” at Saint-Dizier Air Base in France. This rigorous program, combining theoretical and practical training, familiarized pilots with the advanced technologies of the aircraft and prepared them for complex tactical missions.
The first Croatian Rafale, coded 170, is expected to achieve operational capability in early 2024, alongside five other aircraft. Meanwhile, infrastructure work is ongoing at the Pleso airbase to support the new jets, and a technical training program for ground personnel is also underway.
By equipping itself with Rafales, Croatia is significantly modernizing its air defense capabilities and aligning more closely with NATO standards. This acquisition reinforces its role within the Atlantic Alliance and ensures the protection of its airspace for the next three to four decades. Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, highlighted the excellence of the cooperation between France and Croatia, reaffirming his company’s commitment to supporting the integration of the Rafales into the Croatian Armed Forces.
With the final six aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025, Croatia is poised to transform its military capabilities, marking a decisive turning point in its national defense history. This ambitious project reflects the country’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and play a key role in regional and international security.
For many years, France struggled to export its Rafale fighter jet despite its recognized performance capabilities. Designed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale experienced a slow start in the international market after entering service in 2001. It wasn’t until 2015 that the aircraft secured its first export success with an order for 24 units from Egypt, quickly followed by Qatar (24 aircraft) and India (36 aircraft) the same year. These contracts marked a turning point for the Rafale, enabling it to establish itself on the global market. Since then, sales have multiplied: Greece ordered 24 aircraft (2021-2022), Croatia 12 (2021), Indonesia 42 (2022), the United Arab Emirates 80 (2021), Serbia 12 (2023), and Colombia has recently expressed interest in 16 aircraft. These successes highlight the growing prominence of the Rafale on the world stage, thanks to its advanced multirole capabilities, compatibility with NATO standards, and France's intense diplomatic efforts. The Rafale is now seen as a key player in military aviation, solidifying France's position as a major supplier of defense equipment.