Croatia plans to send 30 upgraded M-84 tank to Ukraine while acquiring 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks in Germany as part an expanded defense cooperation.
Croatia intends to deliver 30 M-84 tank and 30 M-80 infantry combat vehicles to Ukraine. These will be replaced with 50 new Leopard 2A8 German tanks, according to the Croatian Ministry of Defense.
In the 1990s Croatia inherited a fleet made by Yugoslavia of M-84 tanks. Since 2008, they have all been upgraded to M-84A4 Sniper standards. By 2023, the majority of them will have undergone a complete overhaul and have updated communication systems.
Militarnyi says that the tank’s mobility was also improved with a new V46-TK engine, which produces 1,000 horsepower, and upgraded turret and gun elevation mechanisms. The level of protection was not changed, however. During these upgrades, the tanks were not given any reactive armor or add-on armor.
The first step in the procurement of equipment will be taken by the Croatian and German defense ministers Ivan Anusic, and Boris Pistorius, on 28 October.
Germany has invited Croatians to join a joint procurement program for the Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank, the latest model manufactured by Europe’s largest arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.
“Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic, and German Defense minister Boris Pistorius, signed today a letter of intent expressing their countries’ willingness to deliver 30 M84 tanks and 30 M80 IFVs from Croatian stocks to Ukraine, including spare parts, ammunition and other supplies. Croatia will receive funding from Germany to fund the initial delivery of the tanks and combat vehicles. The funds will also be used to purchase new German Leopard 2A8 tank,” the Croatian Ministry of Defense’s press service announced.
According to Anusic this procurement model “suits everyone involved–Croatia Germany and Ukraine.”
The value of the equipment Zagreb transfers to Ukraine will be deducted from the amount Croatia pays for the new Leopard 2A8s.
By mid-November, an official government decision on the long-term funding of this project should be made.
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