Croatia strengthens Ukrainian ties with military aid deal
Croatia intends to provide Ukraine with 30 tanks and the same number of armoured infantry vehicles from its reserves. In return, it expects Germany to finance part of the contract for the purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks.
According to Croatian media, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Croatia is prepared to supply Ukraine with 30 tanks, 30 additional armoured vehicles, and ammunition, with Germany providing financial backing for this initiative.
Tanks from Croatia for Ukraine
Croatia is among the countries openly supporting Ukraine, as evidenced by its provision of weapons and ammunition. From this relatively small country, items such as rifles, field cannons, Igla and Strela-2 anti-aircraft missile systems, unique Rak rocket mortars, and even Mi-8 helicopters and An-32B transport aircraft have already been dispatched to the front. This time, Zagreb has announced its willingness to donate armoured equipment—30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80A armoured infantry vehicles, which should be sent to Ukraine before the year ends.
M-84 are main battle tanks derived from the Soviet T-72M1, manufactured under licence in the former Yugoslavia. Compared to the Soviet originals, they feature a new fire control system, improved optics, and enhanced armour. The M-84A variants also have new engines producing 745 kilowatts of power. They retain armament in the form of a 2A46 smoothbore gun with a 125 mm calibre, a 12.7 mm machine gun, and a 7.62 mm machine gun.
M-80A infantry fighting vehicles were also developed in Yugoslavia. These vehicles show certain similarities to the Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2 fighting vehicles. They have tracked traction and a 7.62 mm machine gun, but their main armament is a 20 mm automatic cannon and a 9M14 Malyutka ATGM launcher.
Croatia invests in modernising its own army
Besides supporting Ukraine, Croatia's efforts to modernise its army are increasingly visible. Zagreb has already signed agreements to acquire American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, and Mistral anti-aircraft systems. Plans also include the acquisition of HIMARS artillery and, as confirmed, Leopard 2A8 tanks.
Pistorius expressed satisfaction with Croatia's significant investment in modernizing its military, noting the country’s intention to acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks as part of this effort. He also emphasized that production capabilities would be maintained to support these advancements.
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest version of the tank from the renowned German family. It is distinguished primarily by its advanced Trophy active protection system, improved armour, and the latest optoelectronics. Croatia hopes to acquire 50 Leopard 2A8s.
