The arrival of the Rafale jets reaffirms Croatia's partnership with France. With the next batch of Rafale expected to arrive by the end of 2024, Croatia aims to establish a complete squadron by mid-2025, further enhancing its aerial defence capabilities.

The six Rafale multirole combat aircraft were welcomed at the Zagreb operational base by the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović, the

Croatia on Thursday received the first six of a total of 12 Rafale multi-role combat aircraft from France. The warplanes landed at Franjo Tudjman Airport in the capital Zagreb nearly 30 months after the signing of a contract worth over $1 billion.

The French Dassault Rafale fighter jet, known as the 'Burst of Fire,' has served across the Middle East. It's been adopted by many countries.