Ukraine is actively using Croatian-made military equipment on the battlefield, including the Heron and RAK-12 multiple rocket launchers, RBG 6-40 grenade launchers, and M-46 artillery cannons. Designed and manufactured in Croatia, these weapons have proven effective in combat.
New Croatian Weapon Used on the Ukrainian Battlefield
In recent days, the Ukrainians have announced that they are using yet another Croatian weapon on the battlefield.
It is the Heron multiple rocket launcher. On their Telegram channels, they published a video of it in action.
This rocket launcher is part of the Croatian Army’s arsenal and was designed and manufactured by a company from Slavonia. It was produced in the year 2000 in multiple versions, with a calibre of 70 mm and a range of up to 9 kilometres.
Features of the Heron Rocket Launcher
A distinctive feature is that it can be operated remotely from a distance of up to 25 metres. It is capable of both single and salvo fire, launching between 2 and 40 grenades in a volley.
Mounted on a towed trailer, it can also move over rough terrain at speeds of up to 15 kilometres per hour.
It is intended to support ground forces and, during salvo fire, can cover an area of 200×300 metres at distances of up to 8 kilometres, making it highly effective for neutralising enemy units.
Ukrainians Also Using the RAK-12 System
Recently, the Ukrainians also revealed that they are using the Croatian multiple rocket system RAK-12. It has been mounted on an American military Humvee and is now in service with the Ukrainian Border Guard.
This system is manufactured in Istria and originated during the 1990s. It is essentially the Croatian version of the Yugoslav Plamen launcher. The original had 32 tubes, while the RAK has 12.
As a result, it is more mobile, easier to transport, and can be carried by a smaller off-road vehicle instead of a truck.
RAK-12’s Tactical Purpose and Capabilities
It is intended for sudden and powerful fire strikes over large areas at distances ranging from 800 to 8500 metres. The system requires a crew of 5 soldiers.
The aforementioned Istrian company specialises in the production of multiple rocket launchers and manufactures them in several versions and calibres.
However, one of their more recently popular products is the RBG 6-40 grenade launcher for infantry use. These Croatian handheld grenade launchers have also appeared on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Russian Claims and Captured Croatian Weapons
The Russians enjoy boasting. At one point, they announced that they had destroyed a Croatian multiple rocket launcher near Kharkiv. In February last year, which received considerable media coverage, they captured, among other weaponry, a Croatian handheld rocket launcher after seizing a Ukrainian town.
While inspecting the captured weapons, Putin’s Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, picked it up and asked his subordinates, “Whose is this?” — “Croatian,” they replied.
This particular weapon has a range of 400 metres and uses 40 mm calibre grenades.
M-46 Cannons Also Proving Effective
As early as 2022, the Ukrainians had on several occasions highlighted the effectiveness of a Croatian cannon.
“The recently delivered Croatian M-46 130 mm cannons are already being used by the Ukrainian army on the front lines in the Donetsk region. Alongside the M-46 cannons, the Ukrainian army also received a significant quantity of ammunition. In these photos, we can see Croatian OF-482M HE shells,” they announced on what was then Twitter.
Renewed Focus on Defence Production in Croatia
These are older cannons that are still held by the Croatian Army and were used during the Homeland War.
In this context, it should be mentioned that, as part of Europe’s rearmament, Croatia will also return to military production, which had largely been abandoned in the meantime.
Artillery weaponry — along with, of course, high-tech products such as combat drones — will now be a priority, and work is being expedited on opening a munitions factory, which Croatia currently lacks.
Legal Aid and Military Support
All Croatian weapons and equipment, including these rocket systems, have been sent to Ukraine as part of legal military aid.
