Defense Blog: Croatia ordered Rafale fighters to replace Soviet MiG-21s 
Croatia signed a contract to buy 12 French-made Dassault Rafale fighters. The new aircraft will replace the Soviet MiG-21 of the Croatian Air Force (Air Force). This is reported by the Defense Blog with reference to the Dassault Aviation concern.
The company reported that the relevant contracts were signed during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Croatia. Two contracts were signed by French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly and Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banozic.
The agreement involves the transfer of 12 Rafale fighters from the French Aerospace Forces (VKS). Also, the French side will provide the supply of spare parts, personnel training and aircraft maintenance for three years.
In 2017, the Croatian Defense Ministry sent out a request for proposals for the purchase of 12 aircraft. The new fighters are intended to replace 12 Soviet-made MiG-21bis and MiG-21UM aircraft. The Croatian Air Force reviewed American F-16 fighters, Swedish SAAB JAS-39 Gripen and South Korean FA-50 aircraft.
In September, the South African magazine Ultimate Defense compared the combat capabilities of the Rafale and the Russian Su-35 fighter. The publication noted that maneuverability and better avionics will provide the Su-35 with an advantage in aerial combat.