Croatia boosts Ukraine's defenses with significant tank aid
Croatia will provide Ukraine with 30 tanks and the same number of armoured infantry vehicles from its stockpiles. In return, it expects Germany to finance part of the contract to purchase Leopard 2A8 tanks.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, as reported by Croatian media, indicated that Croatia is prepared to supply Ukraine with 30 tanks and 30 other armoured vehicles, along with ammunition. Germany will contribute financial support to this initiative.
Tanks from Croatia for Ukraine
Croatia is among the countries openly supporting Ukraine, as evidenced by its weapons and ammunition transfers. This small country sends weapons 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 to the front. This time, Zagreb has declared its readiness to donate armoured equipment - 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80A armoured infantry vehicles, which should be sent to Ukraine before the end of the year.
M-84 are the main battle tanks derived from the Soviet T-72M1, produced under licence in the now-defunct Yugoslavia. Compared to the Soviet originals, they feature a new fire control system, improved optics, and stronger armour. The M-84A variants also have new engines with a power of 1,000 hp. They retain armament in the form of a 2A46 smoothbore gun calibre 125 mm, a 12.7 mm machine gun, and a 7.62 mm machine gun.
M-80A infantry fighting vehicles were also prepared in Yugoslavia. These vehicles exhibit 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 modernizing its own army
Besides aiding Ukraine, Croatia's efforts to modernize its army are increasingly visible. Zagreb has already signed contracts for acquiring American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, and Mistral anti-aircraft systems. Plans also include the purchase of HIMARS artillery and, as confirmed, Leopard 2A8 tanks.
Pistorius noted that Croatia is making substantial investments in upgrading its military and expressed approval of its interest in acquiring Leopard 2A8 tanks for this goal. He also affirmed that production capabilities would be sustained to support these efforts.
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest version of the tank from the well-known German family. It is distinguished primarily by the presence of the advanced Trophy active protection system, improved armour, and the latest optoelectronics. Croatia would like to have 50 Leopard 2A8s.
