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 The acquisition will enable the Croatian Air Force to replace its outdated Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters.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
Money isn't enough to smooth the path for Republican candidates hoping to retake the Senate
WASHINGTON (AP) — Frustrated by the seemingly endless cash flowing to Democrats, Republicans aiming2024-05-07Emission capping in focus as scientists predict hotter 2024
Pedestrians use umbrellas to shelter from the midday sun in downtown Tokyo on Monday. RICHARD A. BRO2024-05-07Japan's move to discharge wastewater 'irresponsible'
Protesters gather on Tuesday outside the prime minister's office in Tokyo during a rally against the2024-05-07Russia withstands sanctions pressure, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin. [Photo/Agencies]Russia has withstood the unprecedented pressure fr2024-05-07Husband of Florida woman missing in Spain is charged with her disappearance
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The estranged husband of a Florida woman who disappeared three months a2024-05-07Waiting for the collapse of the 'China collapse' prediction
Luo Jie/China DailyFor the past one month or so, my wife has been on a self-guided tour of Europe, v2024-05-07
atest comment