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ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) \u2014 The first six of a dozen Rafale multipurpose fighter jets purchased by Croatia from France landed at an air force base near Zagreb on Thursday with a welcome ceremony attended by top officials.<\/p>\n
The deal, signed in 2021 with French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, was said to be worth over a billion euros. In addition to the aircraft, the contract covered weapon systems, spare parts, logistics and training.<\/p>\n
France is to deliver the remaining six jets in 2025. The acquisition will enable the Croatian Air Force to replace its outdated Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters.<\/p>\n
The Defense Ministry of Croatia, a NATO member, said the arrival of the aircraft from France piloted by Croatian crews is a historic moment for the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a historic moment for Croatia, we realized our dream,\u201d Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said at the ceremony, moments after the six Rafales landed on the runway in succession.<\/p>\n
The fighters are equipped with advanced attack-navigation systems, the French manufacturer had said.<\/p>\n
In what appeared to be a mini arms race in the Balkans, Serbian populist President Aleksandar Vucic last month also announced plans to purchase 12 new Rafale fighters in a deal that was reportedly worth 3 billion euro. The potential deal was not confirmed by French officials.<\/p>\n