Zagreb has signed a comprehensive defense modernization contract with France covering the purchase of 18 Caesar MkII artillery systems, expected to cost roughly €328 million and enter service around 2030. The upgraded Caesar variant increases crew survivability, improves off-road agility, and adds advanced communications compared to previous versions. Croatia is further expanding its land and air capabilities through the acquisition of 15 Serval armored vehicles and a joint commitment with France to upgrade its fleet of Rafale F3-R fighters to the more capable F4 configuration. These purchases align with Croatia’s €1.9-billion effort to enhance military resilience, strengthen NATO interoperability, and revitalize domestic industry. EU SAFE funding will support part of the Caesar program through long-term, low-interest loans.
