This historic milestone concludes the most significant modernisation effort in the history of the Croatian Air Force. With the arrival of all Rafale jets, Croatia now possesses a technologically and operationally advanced fleet, establishing itself at the forefront of regional air power.
It is particularly symbolic that the final Rafale landed exactly one year after the ceremonial arrival of the first six aircraft on 25 April 2024 at “Colonel Marko Živković” Barracks in Pleso. The delivery of the last aircraft today marks the successful conclusion of one of the most complex and important defence projects in Croatia’s recent history.
Defence Minister Ivan Anušić stated: “Today we complete a project that has strategically transformed the Croatian Air Force. This squadron is not just a military capability but also a clear message – the Croatian Army, and in particular the Croatian Air Force, safeguard the security of Croatian citizens with modern fighter aircraft.”
Minister Anušić also emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening defence forces, saying: “The Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defence continuously invest around three billion euros into the modernisation and equipping of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia. This year we have reached defence spending at 2 percent of GDP, and by 2027 we will achieve 2.5 percent of GDP, with a tendency to grow further towards 3 percent of GDP.”
The Rafale squadron forms the backbone of the Croatian Air Force’s capabilities and significantly enhances Croatia’s national security, deterrence, and defence capabilities within NATO. With the squadron now fully operational, Croatia not only achieves a new level of combat readiness but also strengthens its position within the Alliance.
Source: Ministry of Defence of Croatia.
