The Croatian Air Force Receives Its First Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet From France
The Croatian Air Force has officially received its first Dassault Rafale fighter jet from France. The delivery ceremony took place at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base of the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’air et de l’espace). The Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banožić, Deputy Prime Minister Tomo Medved, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, and Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Croatia Robert Hranj attended the ceremony. While the French delegation included representatives of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense of the French Republic, headed by the Inspector of the Armed Forces for Combat Aviation, General Luc de Rancourt.
Speaking at the ceremony, Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banoi stated that the delivery in question was of extraordinary importance for the Republic of Croatia, the Armed Forces, and the Croatian Air Force, and that the success was due to Croatia’s government led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Continuing his speech, the Minister of Defense stated, “I want to emphasize that the modernization of the Croatian Air Force will ensure that no one in this part of Europe will have a stronger, more modern, and powerful air force,” and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project’s success.
In his speech, French General Luc de Rancourt, Inspector of the Armed Forces for Combat Aviation, stated that it was an extraordinary honor for him to cooperate with the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defense. He described the Rafale aircraft as a powerful and important tool, particularly in the current backdrop of shifting security paradigms caused by the war in Ukraine. The French General praised the Croatian pilots and technicians in particular for their efforts and the excellent training they carried out together with their colleagues in the French Air Force.
The delivery in question was part of a 1-billion-euro contract signed by Croatia’s Defense Ministry with the French company Dassault Aviation on November 25, 2021. In this context, Croatia purchased 12 used Rafale F3-R aircraft (10 single-seaters and two two-seaters) of the same standard as those used by the French Air Force. The agreement includes the supply of spare parts, a flight simulator, ground and test equipment, and ammunition, in addition to the supply of 12 aircraft. A contract for overall support until the last quarter of 2026 has been signed, and a 12-month warranty is provided for the delivered aircraft, engines, equipment, and spare parts.
Croatia expects the remaining 11 F3-R configuration Rafale fighter aircraft to arrive by 2025. These Rafale aircraft, which will replace the MiG-29 fleet in the Croatian Air Force inventory, will protect Croatia’s skies for at least 30 years.