Croatia will purchase upgraded Israeli F-16 fighter aircraft, AP has reported.
Once formally approved by the government, it will be Croatia’s largest single military deal since it split from Serb-led Yugoslavia in the 1991-95 war.
Croatia’s Defense Council accepted an Israeli offer that will replace the country’s aging MiG-21 fighters, of which only six are believed to be operational.
Reports have said the deal involves 12 used F-16 aircraft worth some $500 million that have been heavily modified with Israeli-made avionics.
NATO member Croatia faces “an arms race” with Serbia, which recently received six upgraded Russian MiG-29 fighter jets and will be reportedly armed with hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles, helicopters and transport planes.
