Croatian officials welcome the arrival of Rafale fighter jets purchased from France
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — The first six of a dozen Rafale multipurpose fighter jets purchased by Croatia from France landed at an air force base near Zagreb on Thursday with a welcome ceremony attended by top officials.
The deal, signed in 2021 with French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, was said to be worth over a billion euros. In addition to the aircraft, the contract covered weapon systems, spare parts, logistics and training.
France is to deliver the remaining six jets in 2025. The acquisition will enable the Croatian Air Force to replace its outdated Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters.
The Defense Ministry of Croatia, a NATO member, said the arrival of the aircraft from France piloted by Croatian crews is a historic moment for the country.
“This is a historic moment for Croatia, we realized our dream,” Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said at the ceremony, moments after the six Rafales landed on the runway in succession.
Related articles
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
Justin Timberlake is set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia next year.Daily Ma2024-05-21Vietnam police arrest assistant to National Assembly chairman — Radio Free Asia
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has arrested Pham Tai Ha, deputy head of the country’s Nationa2024-05-21University of Arizona president: Fiscal year 2025 budget deficit may be reduced by $110M
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — As the University of Arizona continues to search for a new president, embattled2024-05-21Attractive female faces make men behave more honestly, study suggests
Attractive female faces make men behave more honestly, a study has suggested.Researchers found male2024-05-21- Director David Cronenberg returned to the south of France to premiere his new film The Shrouds, earn2024-05-21
Hurricanes get a quick boost from Evgeny Kuznetsov addition to start NHL playoffs
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Evgeny Kuznetsov wasted no time making a postseason impact for the Carolina Hur2024-05-21
atest comment