Croatia Buys Weapons from France

(Patria) - The Croatian government made a decision at its session on the urgent procurement of a short-range air defense missile system from France.

"Circumstances that occurred due to the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the fall of an unmanned aerial vehicle in Zagreb indicated the necessity and indispensability of adapting the priorities and plans for equipping the Croatian Army. Therefore, the procurement of an air defense missile system has been set as the highest priority for equipping in the short term," said Minister of Defense Mario Banožić.

As part of the implementation of the Croatian-French Strategic Partnership, a political declaration signed at the end of November last year, France offered Croatia to strengthen cooperation in defense matters, Croatian media recall. Within the Rafale fighter jet procurement program, France approved a donation of short-range system launchers manufactured by MBDA France, for the protection of the air base where the aforementioned aircraft will be located.

"In line with the needs, the Croatian Armed Forces have expressed a request for the priority procurement of Mistral short-range system launchers and Mistral 3 missiles. The said procurement is an urgent and unavoidable measure that is long-term security and defense important for Croatia," said Banožić.

The procurement includes the delivery of Mistral 3 missiles and short-range system launchers with the latest thermal camera, a system for encrypted electronic target identification, and a command and control coordination kit. An integrated logistics support package, personnel training, and technical support from the manufacturer have also been secured, Croatian media report details from the decision.

This system is easily integrated with MBDA's medium-range vertical launcher system MICA, which uses the same missiles as the Rafale aircraft, thus simplifying logistical and operational support and maintenance, the minister emphasized.

"With Rafale aircraft and the Mistral ground system, an already proven air defense system integration will be achieved through the uniqueness of the principles of use and sustainability," says Banožić.

"The offer for the procurement of a short-range air defense missile system for contract signing amounts to 53,850,000 euros with a repayment period of five years, and the obligations of the Ministry of Defense also include economic price increases and value-added tax, so the total obligations of the Ministry amount to 71,957,138 euros," the minister stated.