Bradley vehicles mark milestone in Croatian military upgrade
The first Bradley infantry fighting vehicles have arrived in Croatia. Croatian authorities emphasize that this milestone is part of the significant modernization of their army.
The entire contract covers 89 vehicles and amounts to $196.4 million, of which $51.2 million is a donation from the USA. Croatia is responsible for paying the remaining $145.2 million by 2027.
the advantages of Bradley noticed in another country
The vehicle that arrived in Croatia weighs 30 tons and can reach speeds up to 35 mph. Its crew consists of a commander, gunner, and driver, and it can additionally carry six fully equipped soldiers. The main armament is a 25 mm automatic cannon capable of firing 200 rounds per minute. The vehicle is also equipped with a TOW anti-tank missile system with a range of almost 2.5 miles and a 7.62 mm machine gun.
Bradley infantry fighting vehicles have proven effective in real armed conflicts. They participated in Operation "Desert Storm" and are currently used by the Ukrainians in the war with Russia, where they engage in some of the toughest battles and frequently save Ukrainian lives.
“These vehicles can operate in any weather conditions, giving them an advantage over some Soviet vehicles,” said Colonel Josip Granat, commander of the Croatian 1st Armored Mechanized Battalion.
Croatia is arming itself to a great extent
Defense Minister Ivan Anuszić noted that this purchase has helped Croatia meet the two percent of GDP target for defense spending, with 29 percent of this allocated to modernizing the armed forces.
In April 2024, Croatia received its first multi-role Dassault Rafale fighters from France. The latest defense contracts signed by Zagreb also involve Black Hawk helicopters, Mistral anti-aircraft systems, and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery systems. Croatia has also decided to reinstate mandatory military service at the beginning of 2025.
By acquiring modern Western equipment, Croatia is moving away from outdated Soviet-era weaponry, a change that has benefited Ukraine. In recent months, the front line has seen the deployment of Mi-8 helicopters, and Croatian tanks may soon follow a similar path.
