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 The acquisition will enable the Croatian Air Force to replace its outdated Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters.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
Analysis: Larson enters conversation with Verstappen as best drivers in the world
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ask almost any hardcore motorsports fan who the best driver in the world is righ2024-05-21NFL draft sees trend of fewer early entrants since NIL policy change
The lure of starting a pro career early apparently isn’t quite as tempting for underclassmen now as2024-05-21- The Cleveland Guardians acquired right-hander Pedro Avila from the San Diego Padres on Wednesday for2024-05-21
Report: China is exporting digital control methods — Radio Free Asia
China’s government has turned the country’s tech companies like Huawei and ZTE into its “proxies” an2024-05-21With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
GENEVA (AP) — Needing a win to face Novak Djokovic next at the Geneva Open, Andy Murray was saved by2024-05-21Mama June admits she's now trying new weight loss drug after 'packing on' 130lbs
After previously insisting she had no interest in using weight-loss injections, Mama June is now giv2024-05-21
atest comment