As part of its military modernization process and the expansion of European multilateral relations, Croatia has confirmed the transfer of its M-84A4 Sniper tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Specifically, the transfer will include M-84A4 tanks, M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as spare parts and ammunition.
The shipment consists of a batch of M-84A4 Sniper tanks, a variant of the T-72 produced during the era of the former Yugoslavia, and BVP M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, which are similar in functionality and capabilities to the BMP-1 family.
This is not Croatia’s first transfer to Ukraine; the country has previously sent Mil Mi-8 helicopters. However, this represents a win-win calculation for both nations: Ukraine gains enhanced ground capabilities, while Croatia moves forward with modernizing its forces and acquiring new weapons systems.
In this regard, Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Anušić announced that Germany would provide financial compensation to Croatia’s Ministry of Defense for the transferred assets. These funds will be allocated toward acquiring Leopard 2A8 tanks for the Croatian Army, as the country—like many in the Balkans and Eastern Europe—is undergoing a comprehensive renewal of its Armed Forces equipment.
“For the material resources ceded, the Federal Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany will make a payment to the state budget under the division of the Ministry of Defense by November 30, 2024. The mentioned financial resources are intended for the acquisition of Leopard 2A8 tanks for equipping the Croatian Army, while the remaining funds for the acquisition should be planned in the state budget under the Ministry of Defense division,” Minister Anušić stated.
This transfer represents a unique opportunity for Croatia to negotiate the purchase of 50 next-generation Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany. The replacement of the equipment sent to Ukraine is now a reality, as the government has adopted the “Decision on preparatory actions for the acquisition of Leopard 2A8 tanks for the needs of equipping the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.”
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