Croatia upgrades Rafale combat communications in €33.2 million deal

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

ZAGREB, Croatia (Croatia Week) – Croatia has signed a €33.2 million contract to upgrade the combat communication system of the Croatian Air Force, strengthening secure communications and data transmission for its Rafale fighter aircraft.

The contract was signed on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defence by Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić, Thales Group Vice President for Sales in Network Infrastructure Systems Christophe Laberty, and Odašiljači i veze (OiV) Management Board Member and CEO Denis Nikola Kulišić.

The project, worth €33.2 million excluding VAT, will be implemented between 2026 and 2030.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the upgrade will provide enhanced secure communications and data transfer capabilities for Croatia’s Rafale fleet and support the aircraft’s future transition from the F3-R to F4 standard.

New communication network

The project, known as Ground-to-Air Networks (GAN), involves the implementation of Thales’ communications solution linking ground-based systems with aircraft platforms.

It combines voice communications, tactical data links and cybersecurity capabilities within an integrated system.

A national network of seven ground radio sites will be established and connected to an operational centre. The network is intended to provide reliable and resilient communications between operational centres and aircraft, while ensuring interoperability with Croatian and allied forces.

Thales will act as the main technology provider and solution lead.

Croatian company Odašiljači i veze will participate as the local partner and systems integrator. Its responsibilities will include coordination with the Ministry of Defence and Croatian Air Force, radio coverage studies, preparation of sites, participation in system integration and field testing, as well as user training and technical support throughout the system’s lifecycle.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Croatian industry role

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the project was also an example of Croatia seeking to involve domestic companies in major defence procurement and modernisation programmes.

He said OiV’s partnership with Thales would involve the transfer of technology and expertise, allowing the Croatian company to develop capabilities that could later be applied to other projects and potentially international markets.

The Ministry said the approach is intended to give Croatian companies a greater role in the production, maintenance, development and further application of defence systems acquired by the Croatian Armed Forces.

Potential international opportunities

OiV CEO Denis Nikola Kulišić said the project could provide the company with opportunities beyond the Croatian market.

He noted that OiV’s certification as a Thales partner took more than two years, reflecting the technical requirements and level of trust involved in participating in the project.

The company is also training its specialists to work with the technology.

Kulišić said the expertise and technology acquired through the project could eventually allow OiV, together with Thales, to offer services and expertise to other countries introducing the Rafale aircraft.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Thales’ Christophe Laberty welcomed the project and the cooperation with OiV, describing the agreement as part of efforts to strengthen Croatia’s defence capabilities through the use of established technology.

The project represents another stage in the modernisation of the Croatian Air Force following Croatia’s acquisition of Rafale fighter aircraft, while also increasing the role of Croatian industry in supporting the country’s growing defence capabilities.