Croatia’s Rafale jets to take over full air policing duties from 1 January

(Photo: Arhiva MORH/ T. Brandt)

From 1 January 2026, Croatia will assume full responsibility for the control and protection of its national airspace, marking a significant milestone for the Croatian Air Force.

The task of Air Policing will be carried out by Croatia’s Rafale multi-role fighter jets as part of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS).

This means Croatia will independently monitor and protect its skies in peacetime, in line with NATO standards and national regulations.

Air Policing operations will be conducted continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, following all applicable NATO procedures and operational rules.

During a transitional period while Croatian pilots and personnel underwent intensive training on the Rafale aircraft, the responsibility for safeguarding Croatian airspace was temporarily carried out from NATO air bases in neighbouring Italy and Hungary.

Italian Eurofighter Typhoons and Hungarian Gripen jets performed these duties under technical agreements signed between the respective ministries of defence.

As part of NATO practice, Croatia did not incur any financial costs for this temporary arrangement, as Air Policing support between allied countries is provided free of charge.

Through an extensive training programme and the gradual introduction of the Rafale into operational service, Croatian Air Force personnel have now reached the required level of readiness to independently conduct airspace surveillance and protection in peacetime.

The assumption of Air Policing duties represents a major step forward in strengthening Croatia’s defence capabilities and confirms its full integration into NATO’s collective air and missile defence framework.

From 2026, Croatia’s skies will be protected around the clock by its own Rafale fighters, symbolising a new chapter in national security and air force capability.