Croatia has begun policing its own airspace using Rafale multirole fighters, marking the country’s full integration into NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence framework, the alliance stated.
The transition took effect on 1 January 2026, following the Croatian Air Force’s move from its legacy MiG-21 fleet to the French-built Rafale aircraft. NATO said the change represents a significant step in Croatia’s ongoing force modernisation and its contribution to collective air defence.
The transition programme included pilot conversion training as well as preparation of technical and support personnel to meet NATO readiness standards. During this period, NATO Allies provided temporary airspace surveillance and protection for Croatia under bilateral technical arrangements.
Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons and Hungarian Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighters carried out the interim air policing mission, ensuring continuous coverage while Croatian crews completed training and operational certification, according to NATO.
From the start of the year, Croatia is now conducting the mission on a continuous basis, maintaining round-the-clock readiness. Under NATO Air Policing, Allied fighter aircraft remain on alert 24 hours a day to respond to unidentified or unannounced aircraft approaching Alliance airspace.
NATO said the handover strengthens the wider Integrated Air and Missile Defence system by adding a modern and interoperable national capability. The Rafale fleet is integrated into NATO command and control arrangements, supporting shared procedures for detection, identification and response to potential air threats, according to the alliance.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the development during a recent visit to Croatia on 12 January.
“Since joining the Alliance in 2009, Croatia has been a valued member of NATO. It contributes significantly to our collective security – not only on our eastern flank and in the Western Balkans, but across the entire Alliance,” he said. He added: “I also welcome that, as of the 1st of January this year, the Croatian Air Force officially assumed full responsibility for protecting Croatian airspace.”
The announcement was made by Allied Air Command, which oversees NATO’s air policing and air defence missions across the Alliance.
Didn’t even realise Croatia has Rafales!
Me neither – they have 12 apparently; 10 x single seaters and 2 x two-seaters.