Croatia has announced plans to modernize its entire fleet of Dassault Rafale fighters, upgrading the 12 aircraft currently in service to the F4 standard.
The decision was confirmed during an official meeting between Croatian and French government representatives held on December 8, 2025, in Paris. The aircraft were acquired through a contract signed in November 2021 and are currently operated in the F3R configuration. In April 2025, the Croatian Air Force completed the delivery of the last of the twelve Rafales, which began operating from Zagreb Air Base.
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The upgrade to the F4 standard represents a substantial enhancement of the aircraft’s combat capabilities. Key advancements include improvements to the RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, sensor data fusion, and the accuracy of target detection, tracking, and classification, even in complex environments with intense electronic warfare.
Another central focus of the modernization is the evolution of the SPECTRA electronic warfare system. The upgraded system offers greater resilience against modern air defenses, automated responses to threats, and a significant reduction in pilot workload during high-complexity missions.
Military authorities emphasize that the Rafale F4 should not be seen as a mere incremental upgrade, but as a qualitative transition to a new level for the platform. The F4 standard is also considered an intermediate step toward the future Rafale F5, currently under development.
According to representatives of the Croatian government and Armed Forces, the modernization will significantly strengthen the country’s military aviation, positioning it among the most capable in the Balkan region. Additionally, the upgrade will enhance interoperability with NATO’s air defense systems, reinforcing Croatia’s integration into allied structures.
The original contract with France, valued at €999 million, includes payments in five stages between 2022 and 2026. The agreement covers not only the aircraft but also weapons, spare parts, logistical support for three years, and pilot and technician training in France.
Source and images: MORH/MoD Croatia – X @MORH_OSRH | militarnyi. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
