These aircraft are part of a deal finalized in November 2021, where Croatia acquired 12 Rafale jets from the French Air and Space Force. This purchase aims to bolster the Croatian military’s strength and its role within NATO. The jets were operated by Croatian pilots who received extensive training in France prior to this event.
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale jets left from the company’s facility in Mérignac, France, and are now assigned to the 191 Squadron of the Croatian Air Force. The delivery of these jets represents a significant milestone in Croatia’s defense strategy, with additional jets expected to arrive by mid-2025, completing the squadron.
During the welcoming ceremony, Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, praised the skill of the Croatian pilots and the seamless cooperation between Croatia and France. “The mastery with which the Croatian Air Force carried out this first ferry testifies to the excellence of its pilots and personnel,” Trappier stated. He emphasized Dassault Aviation’s commitment to supporting the full integration and logistical support of the Rafale jets into the Croatian military framework.