Croatia to Replace Old MiG-21s with Second-Hand French Rafale Jets

Croatian Republic placed an order for a dozen Rafale fighters previously operated by the French Air Force to replace its aging MiG-21s on Thursday.

The selection of the Rafale by Croatia was first announced on May 28. Two contracts for the acquisition of Rafales and associated logistics support were signed at a ceremony held on November 25 in Zagreb. The ceremony was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of the Croatian Republic Andrej Plenković, French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and CEO of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier.

The contract mainly covers the transfer of 12 Rafale fighters from the French Air Force along with their equipment, as well as a training service for the Croatian Air Force, Dassault Aviation said in a statement.

The logistics support contract covers all support resources, including additional spare parts for these aircraft, over a three-year period.