Croatia signs €328m Caesar howitzer and Rafale upgrades deal with France

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Croatia has taken another major step in the modernisation of its Armed Forces after signing a contract for the purchase of 18 Caesar MK2 self-propelled howitzers and a Letter of Intent to upgrade its fleet of Rafale fighter jets.

The agreements were formalised on 8 December 2025 at the Élysée Palace in Paris, witnessed by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The documents were signed by Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin.

A separate agreement for an additional equipment package for the Caesar MK2 system was signed in Satory between Minister Anušić and KNDS CEO Nicolas Million.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

The full artillery package, comprising the 18 Caesar MK2 systems, associated equipment, and supplementary capabilities, is valued at €328,089,223. Deliveries are expected by 2030.

A New Phase of Military Modernisation

The procurement marks a significant shift towards strengthening the Croatian Army, following the earlier renewal of the Croatian Air Force with the acquisition of 12 Rafale jets.

Naval modernisation is expected to follow next year with long-awaited decisions on new corvettes for the Croatian Navy.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the importance of the growing defence partnership with France:
“We are particularly pleased with the accelerating pace of defence cooperation. Part of the €1.7bn EU SAFE instrument loan will be invested in acquiring these Caesar howitzers for the Croatian Army.”

He also reaffirmed the strategic value of the Rafale programme:

“The new intention to upgrade Croatia’s Rafales to the level operated by the French Air and Space Force will further strengthen Croatia’s defence capabilities. Thanks to these aircraft, Croatia has the strongest air force between Germany and Greece in this part of Europe.”

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Strengthening All Branches of the Armed Forces

Defence Minister Anušić underlined the government’s long-term modernisation goals:

“After equipping the Air Force with 12 Rafale fighters, we are continuing with the Croatian Army. Today we have signed contracts for 18 Caesar MK2 howitzers and additional equipment for our artillery-rocket units. Next year will also bring concrete decisions on corvette procurement for the Croatian Navy. Altogether, from the Rafale acquisition to these major new procurements and future naval decisions, around four billion euros will be invested.”

He emphasised that Croatian defence companies will also be involved wherever possible, supporting the domestic industry and contributing to national security.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Caesar MK2: Modern Artillery for a Modern Army

The joint procurement of the 155 mm Caesar 6×6 MK2 howitzers is coordinated through France’s defence procurement agency, which manages orders both for the French Armed Forces and for partner nations including Croatia, Estonia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Portugal.

The main package includes 18 howitzers with all related systems, software and services. The additional package, supplied by French manufacturer KNDS, covers surveillance and target-acquisition equipment, a fire-control system, and around 90 communication and transport vehicles, including armoured and terrain-capable platforms.

The Caesar MK2 system offers high mobility, rapid deployment, precision targeting and reliability. Key performance features include a range of up to 55 kilometres, the ability to fire six rounds per minute, and readiness to fire in under 45 seconds.

The cabin provides ballistic and mine protection, and the system has an operational range of over 600 kilometres.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Croatia plans to equip its entire self-propelled artillery battalion under a “Total Package Approach,” ensuring full operational capability.

Upgrading Croatia’s Rafales to F4 Standard

A Letter of Intent has also been signed to enhance Croatia’s 12 Rafale F3-R fighter jets with additional capabilities from the F4 standard. This upgrade will improve firepower, enhance sensor and data-processing performance, and increase aircraft survivability in modern air-combat environments.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

The future F4 capabilities will further boost the operational effectiveness of Croatia’s Air Force, building on the foundation established with the delivery of its first Rafales.