Image source: topwar.ru
The Croatian authorities intend to carry out a deep modernization of the troops, which will lead to the appearance of "surplus" obsolete weapons. However, the new user is already known to him.
- indicated in the Večernji edition.
It is noted that the program for improving the troops is currently being finalized and has not yet been published. At the moment, it provides for the repair and modernization of 62 Bradley M2A2 ODS infantry fighting vehicles at local facilities, "although in Croatian military circles they believe that another hundred such Bradleys are needed." It is planned to purchase another 30 Patria armored vehicles (in the version with a DUBM equipped with a 30 mm cannon and a Spike ATGM), which will expand the fleet of this Finnish equipment in the local army to 200 units.
- the publication says.
As can be assumed, first of all, we are talking about the potential transfer to the Armed Forces of the Yugoslav M-80A BMP, which are a "hybrid" of the BMP-1 and AMX-10P; 104 units of this equipment are in service.
Among the weapons already transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the official lists include 35 thousand Zastava M70 assault rifles and 5 thousand FN FAL rifles, machine guns with accompanying ammunition, ATGM, Strela-2 and Igla MANPADS, 15 M-46N1 field guns, 40 D-30 howitzers, RAK-SA-12 MLRS. By now, 2 An-32B VTS and 14 Mi-8 helicopters were to be delivered.
Image source: topwar.ru
As part of the rearmament program, it is planned to purchase 50-60 new tanks – Leopard A7+/8, or Abrams or Leclerc. Modernization is also envisaged for other branches of the armed forces.
Thus, the first 6 of the 12 Rafale fighters have already arrived in Croatia; it is assumed that the squadron will be fully equipped within a year. The intention to purchase attack drones was also announced. By 2028, a squadron of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters should be delivered (8 units purchased). The possibility of acquiring another type of rotorcraft is being studied.
- it is noted in the publication.
In terms of strengthening artillery, it is planned to purchase, in addition to the existing 14 German self-propelled guns PzH 2000, a new, wheeled type of self-propelled guns (Swedish Archer or French Caesar), MLRS M142 Himars and M270.
Anti-aircraft units are supposed to be equipped with medium- and long-range air defense systems of the ASTER / SAMP/T family; ZRPC, for example, in the form of the German Skyranger 30 complex.
- it is unfounded noted in the publication.
It is planned to replenish the Navy with new multi-purpose patrol ships, in other words, corvettes. So far, we are talking about choosing between the Israeli Sa'ar 6 project and the French Gowind.
As indicated in the publication, at the moment, the acquisition of the entire described equipment is estimated by local analysts at approximately € 5 billion. At the same time, the military budget will amount to about €1.2 billion in 2024, which is still below 2% of GDP.
