December 7, 2023 – Bradley fighting vehicles are transported to the Đuro Đaković special vehicle facility, where they will be completely restored.
The first shipment of Bradley fighting vehicles donated by the USA to Croatia has arrived in Rijeka, the US Embassy in Zagreb announced, as reports Poslovni.
“The Embassy of the United States of America is pleased to announce that on December 6, the first 22 of the 89 Bradley M2A2 infantry fighting vehicles of the Croatian Armed Forces arrived in Rijeka. This powerful platform will strengthen the capacity of the Croatian Army, strengthen NATO’s defense posture in the region, and offer improved opportunities for the Croatian Army to train and partner with the United States Armed Forces.
The Bradley fighting vehicles are transported to the Đuro Đaković Special Vehicles Facility (DDSV), where they will be completely restored.
The extensive restoration process will consist of overhauling the vehicle’s powertrain, installing new weapon and weapon systems, painting and inspections to ensure all vehicles meet the highest performance standards.
Upon completion of the renovation, DDSV personnel will be trained and equipped for long-term maintenance of the Bradley fleet of the Croatian Army. This work at DDSV will also open opportunities to work on Bradley vehicles from other partner countries. DDSV was chosen as the site of the renovation because of the company’s significant technical expertise and strong reputation.
“Croatia’s procurement of Bradley Fighting Vehicles makes a strong and capable ally even stronger and more capable. It also marks another key joint US-Croatian investment in Croatian defense and our collective security as close NATO allies,” said US Chargé d’Affaires Mark Fleming.
“Furthermore, the acquisition demonstrates the expanded benefits of the US-Croatian defense partnership with the renovation of the Đuro Đaković facility in Slavonski Brod, which is quickly becoming an important hub for this type of work, promoting the economic development of the region,” said Fleming.
