Croatia – As most of Central European nations, Croatia underwent recently a phase of remilitarization and modernisation of its army. Croatian Ari Force is a good example of this ongoing trend in the Central and Eastern European region. On October 2, Croatia received its first of twelve Dassault Rafale, as announced the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Croatia.

After several years of lagging behind, Croatia will have again a serious army within few years, even though it will come with a heavy strain on public finances. Signed in November 2021, the deal between Croatia and France for 1.15 billion Euros – with payments to run from 2021 to 2026 – is meant to replace the ageing MiG-21s by 12 second-handed Rafales. Further to the aircrafts, Croatia will also be provided with training for pilots, simulators, and all necessary support by the end of 2026, while aircrafts should be delivered by the end of 2025.

According to Croatian MoD, the Croatian Air Force plans to operate the newly acquired Rafales until the early 2050s. The USA remain the main partner. Even though France made a significant deal with Croatia, the United States remain the main partner of Croatia for its modernisation of its army.

The Croatian Air Force is currently equipped with 16 light OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters from the United States, acquired in 2017. However, these assets, which are mainly intended for border control and reconnaissance missions, are not capable of transport missions, and until recently 14 Soviet-made Mil Mi-8 helicopters were also in service.

However, after the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Croatian government donated these aircraft to Kiev with all their equipment. Croatia then acquired American Black Hawks to replace them. Under the terms of the agreement, Washington donated 2 aircraft to the Croats, who in return bought two more. The legendary helicopters were put into service at the Split base last summer, but the government decided to buy 8 more by 2027 for a total of $140 million.