Croatia has signed a contract for the purchase of 12 Dassault Rafale fighters made by France. New aircraft will be replaced by Soviet MiG-21 Air Force (Air Force) of Croatia. This is reported by Defense Blog with reference to the concern Dassault Aviation.
The company’s report noted that the relevant contracts concluded during the visit of the President of France Emmanuel Macron to Croatia. The two contracts signed the Minister of Armed Forces France Flores Parley and the Minister of Defense Croatia Mario Bozhich.
Agreement involves the transfer of 12 Rafale fighters from the presence of air-space forces (VKS) of France. Also, the French side will provide the supply of spare parts, personnel training and aircraft service for three years.
In 2017, Croatia’s Ministry of Defense sent a request for proposals for the purchase of 12 aircraft. New fighters are designed to replace 12 aircraft MiG-21BIS and MiG-21Um of Soviet production. Croatian Air Force considered American F-16 fighters, Swedish Saab Jas-39 Gripen and South Korean aircraft FA-50.
In September, the South African Journal of Ultimate Defense compared the fighting opportunities Rafale and the Russian Su-35 fighter. The publication noted that maneuverability and best avionics will ensure the advantage of the Su-35 in air combat.