First Croatian Air Force Rafale B flying

On 14 September 2023, the first Hrvatsko Ratno Zrakoplovsto (Croatian Air Force) Dassault Rafale B was photographed while landing at Base aérienne (BA) 113 Saint-Dizier. Most probably, the new Croatian fighter will be used for training future pilots at this French fighter training air base.

The aircraft, serial 171, is one of two Rafale B fighters that were ordered by the Croatia government. On 28 May 2021, Croatia officially announced the winner of the fighter aircraft procurement programme.

By the end of 2021, a contract was signed for the procurement of twelve former used Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (AAE, French Air and Space Force) Rafale fighters. The twelve aircraft are divided into ten single-seat and two dual-seat aircraft.

The tie-up with the French identity of the Rafale is not yet known, but former French Air Force Rafale Bs 315 and 318 were reported as to be transferred to Croatia.

The contract, valued at 999 million euro, includes a flight simulator, basic weapons package, ground and test equipment, spare parts, training of staff and instructors, support from manufacturers for three years and a 12-month warranty for each aircraft, engine and other equipment.

Credit photo: Jochem Manders / Gilze-Rijen Aviation Society