Croatian Air Force Assumes Full Air Policing with Rafale Fighters
Croatia has assumed full responsibility for the surveillance and protection of its national airspace following the operational activation of its Rafale fighter fleet.
The Croatian Air Force has formally taken over national air-defense and air policing responsibilities using its newly inducted Dassault Rafale multirole combat aircraft, which are now assessed as fully operational.
According to the Croatian Ministry of Defence, the handover took effect on 1 January, marking the conclusion of a transitional period during which Hungary and Italy provided air policing support under NATO arrangements. That interim solution had been in place while Croatia established the infrastructure, training, and readiness required to operate the Rafale fleet independently.
With the change, Croatia is now conducting continuous airspace surveillance and protection under national command, in line with NATO standards and procedures. The ministry indicated that these activities are integrated into the Alliance’s broader air and missile defense architecture through the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System, ensuring interoperability with allied forces.
The assumption of full air policing duties represents a key milestone in Croatia’s combat aviation modernization program and restores sovereign control over national airspace after years of reliance on allied support.
