Croatia is preparing a military aid package for Ukraine

Croatia will provide Ukraine with a new package of military and technical assistance that should strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal announced this following a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

Preparations are underway for this tranche of defense assistance, which is expected to be approved on Thursday, January 30.

Denys Shmyhal also said that Ukraine is actively cooperating with Croatia in demining the liberated territories.

“67 Croatian mine clearance systems have already been delivered to Ukraine, and last year, the production of these vehicles and their components started in Ukraine,” the Ukrainian Prime Minister reported.

Shmyhal also thanked the Croatian government for the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainian defenders.

He also noted that Ukraine is interested in using Croatian experience in rehabilitation, social integration, and psychological support for veterans.

Last November, the Croatian Ministry of Defense announced the transfer to Ukraine of a batch of 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, along with related spare parts and ammunition, estimated at almost €145 million.

For the first time, M-84 tanks will be transferred to Ukraine. These tanks are a localized version of the exported Soviet T-72M1 tanks manufactured under license in Yugoslavia.

After the country’s dissolution, the newly formed Croatia inherited a fleet of 84 tanks. By 2008, all of them had been modernized to the M-84A4 Snajper level, and as of 2023, most of them had undergone major repairs and updated communication systems. The vehicle’s propulsion system was also improved: the tank received a new 1,000-horsepower V46-TK diesel engine and improved turret rotation and vertical gun guidance drives.

The M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, provided as part of Slovenia’s military aid, are already in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

In return for the aid provided to Ukraine, Croatia will receive funding from Germany to purchase some of the German Leopard 2A8 tanks for the Croatian military.