Croatia signed a €33.2 million contract, excluding VAT, with Thales and Croatian company Odašiljači i veze on 9 September to upgrade its air-force combat communications system. Implementation is scheduled for 2026–2030, the defence ministry said. [1]
Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the programme would improve secure communications and data transfer for Rafale aircraft and provide communications capabilities needed for a future move from the F3-R to F4 standard. [1] [2]
ContextThis is a signed communications-modernisation programme, not confirmation that the aircraft have already received the F4 upgrade. The ministry also describes technology and knowledge transfer to its Croatian partner. [1]