Croatia to donate 30 tanks, 30 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine

The Croatian Defense Ministry reports.

"Defense Ministers Anušić and Pistorius of Croatia and Germany signed a letter of intent today expressing the two countries' readiness to deliver 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, including spare parts and ammunition, from Croatian warehouses to Ukraine, and the financial resources that the Republic of Croatia will receive from Germany for the first delivery of these tanks and combat vehicles will be used by Croatia to purchase new German Leopard 2A8s," the statement says.

Anušić noted that this procurement model is suitable for all parties involved - Croatia, Germany, and Ukraine.

The cost of the equipment that Zagreb will transfer to Ukraine will be deducted from the amount Croatia has to pay for the new Leopard 2A8s.

It is noted that today the Croatian army has about 70 M-84 tanks. Replacing them with the new Leopard 2A8 is considered crucial for the modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces.

The government is expected to make an official decision on the long-term financing of this project by mid-November. Then the final cost of the Leopard purchase and other details will be known.

• Following a meeting of G7 defense ministers on Saturday, October 19, Ukraine signed an agreement with Germany to strengthen its air defense system.