Croatia to Transfer 60 Tanks, IFVs to Ukraine

The Ministers of Defence of Croatia and Germany have expressed their readiness to transfer 30 Croatian M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. This was reported by the Croatian Ministry of Defence.

It is noted that Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius held a meeting in Berlin.

‘The ministers signed a letter of intent expressing the readiness of the two countries to deliver 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, including spare parts and ammunition, from Croatian warehouses to Ukraine, and the financial resources that the Republic of Croatia will receive from Germany for the first delivery of these tanks and combat vehicles will be used by Croatia to purchase new German Leopard 2A8s,’ the statement said.

It is noted that the total price of the new Leopard 2A8 for Croatia will be reduced by the amount of the transferred weapons for Ukraine.

‘Taking into account the needs of the Croatian army, the Republic of Croatia intends to purchase up to 50 new Leopard 2A8s. All other details will be known after the contract is signed. An additional advantage of this type of procurement is to help Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression,’ the Croatian Ministry of Defence said.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and agreed on defence assistance and cooperation, humanitarian demining, rehabilitation of Ukrainian children and wounded soldiers, Ukraine's reconstruction and European integration. The parties signed an agreement on long-term support and cooperation. Croatia will continue to provide equipment and share its experience in humanitarian demining.