Croatia has finalized a major defense procurement deal with France to acquire 18 Caesar MkII 155mm self-propelled howitzers as part of its long-term military modernization effort. The agreement, worth an estimated 328 million euros ($382 million), includes the artillery systems, associated equipment, and additional support capabilities. Deliveries of the new Caesar MkII units are expected to begin in 2030, marking a significant upgrade to Croatia’s fire-support capacity.
The Caesar MkII configuration offers several enhancements over earlier variants, including improved crew protection, stronger mobility, and a modernized communications suite. In addition to the artillery purchase, Croatia has acquired 15 Serval armored vehicles and signed a letter of intent with France to upgrade its existing fleet of 12 Rafale F3-R fighter jets to the advanced F4 standard. The Rafales were originally purchased in 2021 for 999 million euros ($1.16 billion) to replace the country’s aging MiG-21 fighters.
Croatia’s parliamentary defense committee had previously endorsed the planned acquisitions, which also include the future procurement of Leopard 2A8 tanks, new Tatra military trucks, and an anti-drone protection system. These purchases support a broader 1.9-billion-euro ($2.21-billion) modernization program aimed at enhancing the Croatian Army’s combat readiness, strengthening the domestic defense industry, and boosting interoperability with NATO forces.
Funding for the Caesar acquisition will be partially supported by the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program. Through SAFE, Croatia can access low-interest loans at a 1-percent rate with repayment terms of up to 40 years, significantly easing the financial burden of its major defense upgrades.
