A change in the negotiation of a new fighter for the Croatian Air Force may take a very different course than was planned.
After the Croatian government threatens to cancel the purchase of used F-16A/D Barak fighters from Israel, a new course that leads to a new aircraft may be changed. The aircraft in question is the Gripen from the Swedish manufacturer, Saab. With this change caused by a diplomatic issue between the US and Croatia, the sale of the F-16 could be blocked.
The F-16 had already been chosen to re-equip the Croatian air force, in all the country would acquire 12 units of the fighter, with a total value revolving around US$ 500 million.
At the time when the “competition” was opened, to choose a new fighter for Croatia, the Gripen from SAAB was competing, but with the proposals offered by Israel, such as aircraft with sophisticated electronic technology, including a new radar, it was the decision for the Croatian government to choose the fighter
According to the information, until January 11, a position between the nations will be taken. If you choose to cancel the purchase of the Falcons, the path for Gripen would be open again.
Today the Croatian Air Force operates some batches of the ex-USSR fighter, the former Mig-21. The expectation is to have the F-16C/D Barak in the fleet as early as 2020.
