Croatia sends 30 tanks to Ukraine, strikes deal with Germany
Croatia is set to deliver 30 tanks and the same number of infantry fighting vehicles from its stockpiles to Ukraine. In exchange, it expects Germany to finance part of the contract to purchase Leopard 2A8 tanks.
"Croatia will transfer 30 T-84 tanks and 30 M-80 BMPs to Ukraine. In return, Germany will pay Croatia for part of the Leopard 2A8 tanks," said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, as quoted by Croatian media.
Tanks from Croatia for Ukraine
Croatia is among the countries openly supporting Ukraine, which it demonstrates through the transfer of weapons and ammunition. From this small country, items such as rifles, field artillery, Igla and Strela-2 anti-aircraft missile systems, and even Mi-8 helicopters and An-32B transport aircraft have reached the front. This time, Zagreb has declared its readiness to donate armored equipment—30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80A infantry fighting vehicles, which will be sent to Ukraine by the end of this year.
M-84 tanks, based on the Soviet T-72M1, were produced under license in the former Yugoslavia. Compared to their Soviet predecessors, they feature a new fire control system, better observation devices, stronger armor, and, in the M-84A variants, new engines with 1,000 horsepower. They retain armament in the form of a 2A46 smoothbore gun caliber 125 mm and machine guns caliber 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm.
The M-80A infantry fighting vehicles were also developed in Yugoslavia. These vehicles have some similarities to Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2 fighting vehicles. They have tracked traction and a 7.62 mm machine gun, but the main armament is a 20 mm automatic cannon and a 9M14 Malyutka ATGM launcher.
Croatia invests in modernizing its own army
In addition to aiding Ukraine, Croatian authorities are increasingly making visible efforts to modernize their army. Zagreb has already signed contracts to acquire American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and Black Hawk helicopters, as well as French Dassault Rafale fighter jets and Mistral air defense systems. Plans also include the purchase of HIMARS artillery and, as confirmed now, Leopard 2A8 tanks.
"At the same time, Croatia is investing heavily in modernizing its armed forces, and I am pleased that it wants to acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks for this purpose. We will ensure the maintenance of production capabilities," said Pistorius.
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest version of the tank from the well-known German family. It is notable for its advanced Trophy active protection system, upgraded armor, and the latest optronics. Croatia would like to have 50 Leopard 2A8s.
