Croatia has finalized a major defense procurement agreement with France to acquire 18 Caesar MkII 155mm self-propelled howitzers valued at around €328 million, with deliveries planned for 2030. The MkII variant features reinforced protection, enhanced mobility, and modernized communications. Croatia has simultaneously bought 15 Serval armored vehicles and initiated plans to upgrade its 12 Rafale F3-R fighter jets to the F4 standard, complementing earlier purchases intended to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet. These initiatives form part of a €1.9-billion modernization program endorsed by the Croatian parliamentary defense committee, which also includes future acquisitions of Leopard 2A8 tanks, anti-drone systems, and Tatra military trucks. Funding for the Caesar artillery systems will be partially sourced from the EU’s SAFE program, which provides low-interest, long-term defense financing.
