On 13 March 2024, through the direct signing of an intergovernmental agreement (Letter of Acceptance) with the United States, Croatia secured eight additional UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. This acquisition signals a pivotal shift away from Soviet-era military equipment towards Western technology, aligning with Croatia’s comprehensive strategy to modernize its armed forces. This strategy also encompasses the phased replacement of its MiG-21 jets with pre-owned French Rafales, further enhancing its military capabilities and alignment with Western defense standards.
The transition to a Western air fleet began in 2019 with the U.S. approval for the sale of two UH-60 Black Hawks for an amount estimated at $115 million. These helicopters were added to two others previously gifted by the United States. The recent expansion, involving eight more UH-60M Black Hawks recommended by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in January, represents an investment estimated at $500 million. However, thanks to a cost-sharing agreement, Croatia will only pay 49% of the total amount, with the remainder funded by the United States.
Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić celebrated the agreement as a milestone for the Croatian armed forces and the country as a whole, highlighting the excellent cooperation with the United States. He also expressed his intention to continue strengthening bilateral ties, paving the way for future joint projects.
Croatia’s current fleet includes four UH-60 helicopters, with the first two acquired in 2018 and the next two provided by the United States, delivered in February 2022. Besides the helicopters themselves, the sale includes a wide range of communication and security equipment, such as