VIDEO: French Rafale jets arrive in Croatia for joint military exercises

Croatian and French fighter pilots are conducting joint air combat training in Croatia as the two air forces work to strengthen operational cooperation and improve their ability to operate together.

The activities are taking place from 19 to 23 October at Colonel Marko Živković Barracks in Pleso, involving Croatia’s 191st Fighter Squadron of the 91st Wing and the French Air and Space Force’s 1/5 Vendée Fighter Squadron.

The exercise brings together pilots, aircraft technicians and other personnel operating the Rafale multirole fighter aircraft.

Alongside joint flying activities and air combat training, the exercise includes technical training and cooperation in aircraft servicing and maintenance.

A key focus is NATO’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which aims to improve air force resilience through the rapid deployment of aircraft, operations from multiple locations and the ability to sustain air operations in challenging conditions.

Joint training in the air and on the ground

Brigadier Davor Turković, commander of the Croatian Air Force’s 91st Wing, said the activities were being conducted on two levels.

The first involves pilots flying together and practising air combat, while the second focuses on ground personnel developing their skills in aircraft servicing and maintenance.

The combined approach is intended to strengthen interoperability between the two air forces and test their operational capabilities.

Major Nicolas, commander of the French contingent and a Rafale pilot, said the deployment marked the unit’s first visit to Croatia.

The French contingent comprises around 30 pilots, technicians and specialists, supported by three Rafale aircraft.

He thanked the Croatian Air Force’s 91st Wing for providing facilities, resources and support for the deployment, describing the Croatian Air Force as an important partner.

Croatian technicians trained to service foreign Rafale aircraft

The exercise also provides an opportunity for Croatian aircraft technicians to strengthen their ability to support Rafale aircraft operating outside Croatia.

Captain Marko Jozinović, commander of the technical maintenance and aircraft servicing unit of the 191st Fighter Squadron, said the joint activities were particularly valuable for technical personnel.

He said Croatian technicians were trained to receive foreign Rafale aircraft, inspect them and return them to flight as quickly as possible.

The exercise highlights the importance of cooperation between allied air forces in maintaining aircraft availability and ensuring that military aviation operations can continue efficiently.

By combining flight training with ground-based technical cooperation, Croatia and France are working to improve their ability to operate and support the same aircraft platform in joint NATO operations.