Croatia enhances military with German-backed tank upgrade
Croatia is set to transfer 30 M-84 tanks and an equivalent number of M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. In exchange, it will receive funding from Germany, which will be allocated to procure new armaments. This funding will be used to acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks, considerably renew Croatia's armoured forces and take another step to bolster its military strength.
The Croatian Ministry of Defence announced in an official statement that it is transferring material assets to Ukraine, which include M-84 tanks and M-80 infantry fighting vehicles along with spare parts and ammunition, with a book value of €144,800,000.
This amount is set to be paid by the German Ministry of Defence to the Croatian Ministry of Defence by 30th November at the latest, and has been committed for the purchase of new Leopard 2A8 tanks.
M-84 and M-80 from Croatia for Ukraine
The Leopard 2A8 represents the latest model within the celebrated German family of main battle tanks. Produced by the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann company, the Leopard 2A8 is particularly distinguished by its advanced Trophy active protection system, significantly enhanced armour, and state-of-the-art optronics employed in such armoured machines.
Croatia is heavily arming itself
Ultimately, Croatia plans to integrate 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks into its service, aligning with recent local government efforts to modernise the army. Contracts have already been signed to acquire American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, and Mistral anti-aircraft systems. In addition to Leopard 2A8 tanks, the Croatian army may also be equipped with HIMARS artillery (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System).
Simultaneously, Croatians are methodically retiring old, mostly Soviet-era equipment, which is advantageous for Ukraine. The current provision from Croatia to Ukraine comprises M-84 tanks, basic tanks developed in the now-defunct Yugoslavia, based on the T-72M1. These tanks have the same 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun but have a superior fire control system, enhanced optics, and stronger armour.
Previously, the items transferred from Croatia to Ukraine included towed howitzers, Mi-8 helicopters, and An-32B transport aircraft.
