Croatia’s Rafale Fleet is Now Complete with Final Delivery
On 25 April 2024, Croatia took delivery of the last Rafale F3-R fighter jet ordered from the French company Dassault Aviation. The arrival of the latest aircraft, which represents a major leap forward in the capabilities of the Croatian Air Force, was welcomed by the 191st Fighter Squadron at the “Pukovnik Marko Živković” barracks in Pleso, exactly one year after the arrival of the first six aircraft. This development successfully brings to completion the delivery of 12 Rafale F3-Rs, as foreseen in the agreement signed in 2021. The contract, worth over $1 billion, covers not only the supply of Rafales but also munitions, spare parts, three years of logistics support, and training for pilots and technicians in France.
“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,” stated Defence Minister Ivan Anušić.
The Rafale F3-R configuration represents an evolution of the earlier F3 standard. Key improvements include the integration of the Meteor air-to-air missile paired with the Thales RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which is capable of detecting and tracking multiple air targets in all weather conditions and even in severe jamming environments for close-in and long-range engagement. It also incorporates the TALIOS next-generation multi-function targeting pod, combining advanced targeting and tactical reconnaissance capabilities into a single system. This significantly increases the accuracy of laser-guided munitions, such as the AASM Hammer bomb and the GBU-16, and makes them easier to use.
Other upgrades in the F3-R configuration include an improved SPECTRA electronic warfare system, an automatic ground collision avoidance system (AGCAS), and increased continuous in-flight refueling capability through the integration of the new generation NARANG pod.
The Rafale F3-R fleet will significantly increase the defense capabilities of the Croatian air force after the MiG-21s. The transition not only enhances Croatia’s defensive and offensive capabilities but also aligns its air force with NATO standards, strengthening the country’s role within the alliance.