Croatia bolsters defense with new tanks amid aid to Ukraine
Croatia will transfer 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. In return, it will receive funding from Germany to purchase new armaments. These will include Leopard 2A8 tanks, which will significantly modernize Croatia's armored forces and strengthen its military capabilities.
In an official statement, the Croatian Ministry of Defense announced that "it is transferring material assets to Ukraine, i.e., M-84 tanks and M-80 infantry fighting vehicles along with spare parts and ammunition, with a book value of 144,800,000 euros."
This amount will be paid to the Croatian Ministry of Defense by the German Ministry of Defense by November 30th at the latest, and it has committed to allocate this for the purchase of new Leopard 2A8 tanks.
M-84 and M-80 from Croatia for Ukraine
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest model in the well-known German family of main battle tanks. Manufactured by the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann company, the Leopard 2A8 is notable for its advanced Trophy active protection system, significantly improved armor, and state-of-the-art optronics.
Croatia is heavily arming itself
Ultimately, Croatia plans to introduce 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks into its military, aligning with recent efforts by local authorities to modernize the army. They have already signed contracts for acquiring American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, and Mistral anti-aircraft systems. In addition to the Leopard 2A8 tanks, the Croatian army may also be equipped with HIMARS artillery (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System).
At the same time, Croatians are systematically retiring old, mostly Soviet-era equipment, which benefits Ukraine. This time, the provision from Croatia to Ukraine includes M-84, basic tanks developed in the now-defunct Yugoslavia based on the T-72M1. They have the same 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun but boast a superior fire control system, improved optics, and stronger armor.
Previously, items transferred from Croatia to Ukraine included towed howitzers, Mi-8 helicopters, and An-32B transport aircraft.
