Croatia fortifies forces with German-funded Leopard tanks
Croatia will transfer 30 M-84 tanks and an equal number of M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. In return, Germany will provide funding for Croatia to purchase new armaments. These will be Leopard 2A8 tanks, significantly renewing Croatia's armoured forces and strengthening its military.
The Croatian Ministry of Defence 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 145 million euros.
The German Ministry of Defence will pay the Croatian Ministry of Defence this amount by 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30th, and it will be allocated for purchasing new Leopard 2A8 tanks.
M-84 and M-80 from Croatia for Ukraine
The Leopard 2A8 is the latest model in the popular German family of main battle tanks. Manufactured by the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann company, it features an advanced Trophy active protection system, significantly improved armour, and the latest optronics used in such armoured vehicles.
Croatia is heavily arming itself
Ultimately, Croatia intends to introduce 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks into service, aligning with the local authorities' recent efforts related to military modernization. They have already signed contracts to acquire 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 decommissioning old, mainly Soviet-era equipment, which benefits Ukraine. This provision to Ukraine includes M-84, basic tanks developed in the former Yugoslavia based on the T-72M1. They feature the same 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun but have a better fire control system, improved optics, and stronger armour.
Previously, Croatia has transferred items to Ukraine, including towed howitzers, Mi-8 helicopters, and An-32B transport aircraft.
