ZAGREB, July 3, 2019 – The parliamentary Defence Committee on Wednesday endorsed the opinion of Defence Minister Damir Krstičević on initiating the process of purchasing multi-purpose fighter jets for the Croatian Air Force.
Addressing the Committee, Krstičević said that Croatia was embarking on the acquisition of 12 multi-purpose combat aircraft. “If we can’t get all 12 aircraft at once, we can initially acquire a smaller number of aircraft and then gradually come to the desired number,” he said, adding that the procurement process should be launched taking into account the necessary capabilities and financial means available.
Admitting that Croatia has a small number of operational combat aircraft and increasingly limited resources for pilot training, the defence minister said that “the situation in the Croatian Air Force requires smart and careful, yet urgent action” regarding the acquisition of combat aircraft.
“Serbia has found a way to modernise its combat aircraft fleet and I believe Croatia will be able to do the same. … We must no allow Croatia to be unarmed and without multi-purpose combat aircraft as guarantors of peace,” Krstičević said.
He emphasised the importance of forming an interdepartmental commission on the procurement of aircraft which would be responsible for the preparation and conduct of the entire process. He said that the commission should include the chair and deputy chair of the parliamentary Defence Committee” given that this is a very important and financially highly valuable project that must be transparent and in accordance with the law.”
“The issue of defence and procurement of multi-purpose combat aircraft is above political parties and requires the support of both the ruling coalition and the opposition. That’s why I think it is important that the Croatian Parliament joins this process,” Krstičević said.
“The process of acquiring multi-purpose combat aircraft is a very complex project which can be carried out only with the unity and support of all state institutions. Only serious offers will be taken into account, and the purchase must be a long-term strategic decision,” he concluded.
More news on the procurement of combat aircraft can be found in the Politics section.
