The Croatian government on Thursday unanimously adopted a decision on the procurement of 12 F-16C/D "Barak" fighter jets from Israel.

According to Total Croatia News, Croatia will receive 12 upgraded used Israeli F-16 Barak jets for about $500 million. The 25-30 years old aircraft will replace the outdated MiG-21 fighters currently in use by the Croatian Air Force. The deal also includes two flight simulators, training and maintenance staff, and munitions.

"It is a historic decision… a project guaranteeing Croatia’s security and sovereignty," said Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic. The first jets are expected to arrive in 2020, and the remaining ones by 2022.

According to The Jewish Press, Zagreb issued a tender to acquire military jets to replace its outdated Soviet-made MiG-21s last year. Five countries – Sweden, Israel, the United States, Greece and South Korea – submitted bids. Croatia chose Israel over second-place finisher Sweden, which offered a squadron of new Gripen fighters.

"If Croatia was a richer country, and if our economy was stronger, maybe we could have picked a more expensive offer,” Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said. "But, based on the parameters presented to us by our expert team, we believe that we have made a responsible decision which will meet all the needs of the Croatian air force in the next 30 years."