Analysis: Croatia Enhances Air Power Capabilities with French Rafale Fighter Jets Replacing Soviet-made MiG-21.

In December 2024, Croatia’s air defense capabilities took a monumental leap forward with the arrival of eight French Dassault Rafale fighter jets at the "Colonel Marko Živković" barracks in Pleso, marking the largest and most significant strategic project in the history of the Croatian Air Force. This milestone is part of Croatia’s ongoing effort to modernize its military assets and align more closely with NATO standards, positioning the country as a stronger, more capable member of the alliance.
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Croatia’s Air Force strengthens its capabilities with the acquisition of French Dassault Rafale jets, marking a new era of modernization and NATO integration. (Picture source: Croatia MoD)

The Rafale program follows the signing of a major defense contract in 2022, when Croatia finalized an agreement with France to purchase a fleet of 12 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft. The deal, valued at approximately €999 million, was a crucial step in Croatia’s broader military modernization strategy. The contract also includes comprehensive training programs for Croatian pilots and maintenance personnel, as well as logistical and technical support to ensure the aircraft's long-term operational readiness. This agreement was a part of Croatia’s effort to replace its aging fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets, which had been in service since the early 1990s.

Croatia’s decision to purchase the Rafale jets was driven by the need for a more modern, capable fighter to meet the growing security challenges in Europe. After considering a variety of options, including the Swedish Gripen and American F-16, the Croatian government selected the Rafale due to its multirole capabilities, advanced avionics, and proven combat performance. The French government, in turn, supported Croatia's acquisition of the Rafale, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations within NATO.

The purchase is seen as a significant step in enhancing Croatia’s air defense capabilities and aligning its military forces with NATO’s evolving standards. The Rafale’s advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, coupled with its versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, offer Croatia enhanced capabilities that are vital in contemporary security environments.

The first batch of Rafale aircraft arrived in Croatia in April 2024, with the full fleet expected to be operational by 2025. This modernization is not just a leap in terms of technology, but also in strategic importance. By equipping its air force with one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, Croatia is enhancing both its defensive and offensive capabilities. The Rafale is equipped with state-of-the-art radar and electronic warfare systems, giving it a technological edge that far surpasses the MiG-21s, which have long been outclassed in terms of performance.

The Rafale program signifies the replacement of the aging MiG-21 fleet, which has served as the backbone of the Croatian Air Force for decades, notably during the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995). The MiG-21s were instrumental in the formation of Croatia's air force, as the nation had no official air combat capability at the beginning of the conflict. Over time, a fleet of MiG-21s was acquired, playing a pivotal role in reconnaissance, air superiority, and close air support missions. Despite challenges with limited resources and spare parts, these aircraft were critical in the country's struggle for independence.

Croatia replaces its MiG-21, in service since the 1990s, with French Rafale fighter jets to enhance air defense capabilities. (Picture source Wikimedia)

By the time Croatia joined NATO in 2009, the MiG-21s had undergone several upgrades, including improved avionics, to meet the alliance’s interoperability standards. However, as the MiG-21 fleet aged and its operational limitations became more apparent, it became clear that the aircraft could no longer provide the level of performance needed to support Croatia’s growing defense requirements. Consequently, the Croatian government set in motion a process to replace the MiG-21s with modern, advanced fighter jets capable of performing a wide range of missions in line with NATO expectations.

The MiG-21 was designed in the 1950s and has remained in service with various countries well beyond its intended lifespan. While it served as a reliable platform during the Croatian War of Independence, its capabilities have become increasingly outdated in the context of modern aerial warfare. The MiG-21 is limited in terms of payload capacity, radar and avionics sophistication, and operational range. Additionally, its single-engine design and older airframe technology provide reduced survivability compared to modern fighter jets.

The Rafale, on the other hand, represents a significant leap in air combat capabilities. With a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, a range of 3,700 km, and a ceiling of 15,240 meters, the Rafale can operate in a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Its advanced radar system, the Thales RBE2 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, provides superior tracking, targeting, and situational awareness, far exceeding the radar systems available on the MiG-21. The Rafale is also equipped with electronic warfare capabilities and can carry a much wider array of modern, precision-guided weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and a range of bombs.

One of the key advantages of the Rafale over the MiG-21 is its multirole flexibility. The MiG-21 was primarily designed as a lightweight interceptor and was only adapted for ground attack missions later in its service life. In contrast, the Rafale was built from the ground up as a multirole platform, capable of seamlessly transitioning between different combat missions without compromising performance. This makes the Rafale more versatile, allowing Croatia’s Air Force to conduct a broader range of missions with a single type of aircraft.

Beyond performance, the Rafale also offers Croatia substantial improvements in terms of survivability and operational effectiveness. The aircraft's stealthy design, low radar cross-section, and advanced electronic countermeasures make it significantly harder to detect and engage than the MiG-21. Its advanced cockpit and avionics systems enhance pilot situational awareness, while the aircraft’s ability to carry out long-range strikes with precision-guided munitions further expands Croatia's offensive capabilities.

Beyond boosting national defense, the Rafale program is designed to integrate Croatia more effectively into NATO’s defense framework. NATO interoperability is a key component of Croatia’s strategic defense objectives, and the Rafale’s advanced systems are fully compatible with NATO's operational standards. As NATO continues to adapt to evolving global security challenges, Croatia’s enhanced capabilities will allow it to contribute more effectively to alliance operations, including air policing, rapid-response missions, and collaborative defense initiatives.

Until the full operational readiness of Croatia’s Rafale fleet, NATO has supported the country's airspace protection efforts through Air Policing missions carried out by the Italian and Hungarian Air Forces. This interim arrangement has allowed the Croatian Air Force to focus on intensive training for its pilots and ground crews as they prepare to integrate the Rafales into their operations.

The retirement of the MiG-21s by the end of 2024 will mark the conclusion of an era for the Croatian Air Force. While these aircraft hold a special place in the country’s military history, particularly for their role during the Croatian War of Independence, the decision to phase them out is driven by the need for more modern, capable, and versatile aircraft to address the complex security landscape of the 21st century.

The MiG-21s will forever be a symbol of Croatia’s resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. Despite the limitations of the aircraft and the severe resource constraints during the war, the Croatian Air Force managed to achieve remarkable successes, establishing itself as a respected entity within the region. However, as Croatia looks to the future, the Rafale represents a major step in reinforcing the country’s air defense capabilities and ensuring its security within the broader NATO framework.

With the arrival of the Rafale, Croatia has entered a new chapter in its military modernization efforts, underlining the country’s commitment to enhancing its national defense while playing a more active role in regional and NATO security. The Croatian Air Force's modernization plan, which includes the Rafale fleet and other ongoing upgrades, will position the country as a key player in NATO's defense posture in Southeastern Europe.

As Croatia moves into 2025, the full integration of the Rafale fighter jets will not only strengthen its national defense but also solidify its strategic role within NATO, ensuring that the Croatian Air Force is prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global security environment. The Rafale program is a clear statement of Croatia’s resolve to protect its sovereignty, contribute to NATO's collective defense, and maintain peace and stability in the region.