Croatia’s squadron of Rafale fighter jets is complete

Croatia finally has a full squadron of modern combat aircraft, as the last of the 12 Dessault Rafale fighter jets purchased from France landed in Zagreb on Friday. 

Croatia now has ten single-seater and two two-seater Rafales which it purchased used from France in 2022, in a 999 million euro deal aimed at enhancing Croatia's defensive and offensive capabilities and aligning its air force with NATO standards.

"This is the conclusion of a process of implementation, acquisition, and transition from one generation to another. And now we can develop further. Now we can keep pace after catching up,” said Brig. Christian Jagodić, Commander of the 91st Wing of the Croatian Air Force.

The deal also included training Croatian pilots and mechanics.

"All of the training planned in France has been successfully completed and now training is underway in Croatia, including pilot training,” said Brig. Damir Barišić, the Croatian Army’s head of project for getting the Rafales into operational use.