WARSAW, Poland — The Croatian Defense Ministry is planning to acquire drones to set up an unmanned aerial vehicle squadron and purchase at least 18 fighter jets to replace its outdated Soviet-designed aircraft.



"The decision to buy a new fighter jet is not only related to the Ministry of Defense but also the entire state and society," Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević told the local paper Jutarnji List. "Such a decision requires a broad social consensus, and the support of all the other entities and institutions that will take part in this process."



The minister said that the Croatian Armed Forces "need to adapt, introduce some new capabilities … due to the rapid changes in the security environment."



