Croatian officials welcome the arrival of Rafale fighter jets purchased from France
Time:2024-05-21 08:30:59 Source:businessViews(143)
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 The acquisition will enable the Croatian Air Force to replace its outdated Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters.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.
Previous:Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
Next:Uber and Lyft say they'll stay in Minnesota after Legislature passes driver pay compromise
You may also like
- Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
- VOX POPULI: The war in Ukraine enters its 3rd year with no end in sight
- Hong Kong waste levy to come into effect next April
- Weather updates: Warnings across South Island, Taranaki, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty
- Investigators return to Long Island home of Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect
- Immigration tightening might only be temporary
- Iceland violent volcanic flare
- VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
- Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer