Croatia and France conduct joint Rafale fighter jet exercises

Croatian and French air force personnel are conducting joint exercises at the “Pukovnik Marko Živković” barracks in Ples, Croatia. Running from October 19 to October 23, the activities involve the Croatian Air Force 191st Fighter Squadron and the French Air and Space Force 1/5 Vendée Fighter Squadron.

The training includes approximately 30 French pilots, technicians, and specialists, supported by three Rafale fighter jets. The exercises are divided into two layers: aerial combat training for pilots and ground-based maintenance training for technicians. A key objective is to enhance the ability of Croatian technicians to receive, inspect, and prepare foreign Rafale aircraft for flight.

The drills focus on NATO’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which emphasizes the rapid deployment of aircraft to various locations to increase survivability and ensure the continuity of air operations even if primary bases are compromised.