The Croatian Air Force (Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo i protuzračna obrana, HRZ i PZO) officially received its first six Rafale fighter jets in a ceremony held on Apr. 25, at the 91st operational base near Zagreb. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing military modernization efforts.
The ceremony was attended by top Croatian officials, including President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić. The arrival of the French-built aircraft, piloted by Croatian crews, was hailed as a historic moment for Croatia.
“This is a historic moment for Croatia, we realized our dream,” declared Prime Minister Plenković during the ceremony.
The first six Rafales will join the 191st Squadron of the Croatian Air Force. These jets represent the initial wave of a 12-aircraft procurement deal signed with Dassault Aviation in November 2021. The remaining six Rafales are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, allowing the formation of a complete squadron.
Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, emphasized the successful delivery process and its commitment to ongoing support for Croatia. Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated, “The mastery with which the Croatian Air Force carried out this first ferry testifies to the excellence of its pilots and personnel, and brilliantly illustrates the quality of Croatia’s cooperation with France.”
The contract with Dassault Aviation goes beyond the aircraft themselves. It encompasses weapon systems, spare parts, logistics support, and pilot training conducted in France. The Rafale is a multi-role fighter jet equipped with advanced attack-navigation systems, offering a significant capability upgrade for the Croatian Air Force.
The Rafales will replace Croatia’s aging fleet of Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters. This transition will ensure Croatia’s continued air defense capabilities and enhance its ability to fulfill its operational missions as a member of NATO.
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