Croatia has officially completed the formation of its new Croatian Air Force squadron with the arrival of the final Rafale fighter jet in Zagreb. Marking a major step in modernising its defence capabilities, Croatia now boasts one of the most advanced air fleets in the region. This milestone strengthens national security and highlights the country’s growing role within NATO’s air policing efforts.
Completion of the Croatian Air Force Squadron
The squadron of the Croatian Air Force has finally been completed. On Friday, the last of the twelve Rafale fighter jets landed in Zagreb, exactly one year after the arrival of the first six.
Croatia has thus become the owner of one of the most technologically advanced air fleets in the region, spanning from Germany to Greece. They will be the proud guardians of Croatian skies.
Training Before Air Policing Begins
For about another six months, they will not yet perform the function of air policing but will continue with training within Croatia, with the assistance of French instructors who will remain for a certain period.
It is not merely about piloting these aircraft, but also about operating sophisticated radar systems and modern, highly lethal weaponry they carry, as well as training mechanics who must be able to respond to the challenges posed by these technologically demanding aircraft.
International Cooperation and Exercises
There are also exercises within the framework of cooperation with the air fleets of other NATO member states. Recently, they escorted an American B-52 bomber as it passed over Croatia, a moment the military alliance marked with a beautiful photograph.
Croatia contracted with France for not just the purchase of the aircraft and associated weaponry for one billion euros, but also for the training of pilots and mechanics according to a system where those trained can, in turn, train others.
Training the Next Generation of Pilots
Of the twelve aircraft, ten are single-seaters and two are twin-seaters, precisely so that younger Croatian pilots can learn from their older counterparts who trained at a military base in France.
For a little over another six months, the skies over Croatia will, upon request and if necessary, be monitored by Hungarian pilots flying Gripens in the north and Italian pilots flying Eurofighters in the south. After that, Croatian pilots in Rafales will take over.
Guardians of the Skies and the Adriatic
They, as they have repeatedly stated, can hardly wait. They will monitor not only the skies over Croatian land but also the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea, which includes the vast area of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Thus, the story of the Croatian Air Force has been beautifully completed. In the early 2000s, some suggested it should be abolished. They survived, but on ancient MiG-21s. Later, there was talk of purchasing F-16s from the Israelis, aircraft that were over 30 years old, a move many did not support. Ultimately, the decision fell on the Rafale, powerful multirole aircraft that possess everything Croatia needs.
A Tribute to the Past
The Rafales, let us recall, landed at Pleso in Zagreb, where the “Colonel Marko Živković” barracks are located. It was named after the pilot who defended Croatia by flying agricultural planes, as Croatia had no other aircraft at the time.
A great deal of military material and medical equipment was transported to the besieged Vukovar and other places. Unfortunately, on 2 December 1991, the aircraft carrying him and three comrades was shot down near Otok, not far from Vinkovci. All perished.
From Struggle to Modern Air Force
Their story tells of the journey Croatia has taken, from fighting for survival and freedom to what it is today. Upon receiving the first Rafales, the head of the Croatian Air Force, Michael Križanec, stated that they were beautiful on the ground but even more so in the air – true “beasts” considering the capabilities they possess.