ZAGREB, March 29, 2018 – The Croatian government on Thursday unanimously adopted a decision on the procurement of 12 F-16 C/D Barak fighter jets that will cost Croatia 2.9 billion kuna over a ten year period, and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said this was one of the biggest decision made in the defence sector after the 1990s Homeland War.
“This is a historic day for the Croatian Air Forces. This decision is investing in the safety of the Republic of Croatia, it is affordable and the best for us,” Krstičević said.
The government’s decision on the procurement of upgraded fighter jets came after Croatia’s Council for Defence, at its meeting on Tuesday evening, accepted Israel’s offer of multipurpose fighter jets as the most favourable one and recommended to the government to decide accordingly.
The Israeli bid includes the delivery of 12 upgraded used Israeli F-16 Barak aircraft for about 420 million euros. The aircraft are between 25 and 30 years old and will replace the outdated MiG-21 aircraft used by the Croatian Air Force. The Israeli bid also includes two flight simulators, training of pilots and maintenance staff, and weapons for the aircraft. The plan is to use these aircraft for up to 25 years.
The decision has been harshly criticised by some due to the fact that old MIGs are being replaced with barely younger aircraft.
