A sizable helicopter donation from the United States.
A few weeks ago, the US Congress has approved a delivery of 16 light reconnaissance helicopter gunships Kiowa Warrior and a simulator to Croatia. The value of the donation is more than 100 million dollars, but in the next three years, Croatia will have to pay 20 million dollars for spare parts, training and ammunition, reports Jutarnji List on September 13, 2015.
Within a few weeks, a team of experts of the Croatian armed forces will go to the USA to select the 16 helicopters. Croatia has been given the right to first choose among 200 surplus helicopters, while the rest will later go to other US partners. The helicopters were completely modernized and refurbished in 2011 and are in excellent condition. They are equipped with sensors for thermal scanning, optical sensors, laser systems to determine the distance and pinpoint targets, and optical targeting systems. In addition, they are equipped with launchers for anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles. The ammunition for these launchers, training of pilots and technicians as well as the spare parts and tools are not included in the donation and will have to be paid by Croatia. The helicopters will be used for the national defence and border control, as well as in international operations in which Croatia participates.
Importantly, in addition to helicopters, the Croatian army will get a simulator in which soldiers will be trained. It has all the systems and equipment just like a “real” helicopter. The simulator will reduce the amount of weapons that will be purchased because the soldiers in training will not be using real ammunition.
Estimates are that the helicopters should arrive to Croatia by the end of 2016, when the Croatian army will again have combat helicopters after more than 15 years. In the 1990s, the military had Russian combat helicopters Mi 24. After the war, it was decided that they will not be modernized. The armed forces are currently equipped with transport helicopters Mi 8 and Mi 117 Sh.
The American donation is another proof of the partnership between Croatia and the USA. According to some estimates, the USA have to date donated to Croatia military equipment worth about 200 million dollars. This includes various types of vehicles, communication equipment, soldier training, destruction of obsolete weapons and ammunition… In return, Croatia has so far proved to be a reliable partner to the Americans in Afghanistan, and also in the framework of the anti-terrorist coalition.
