The United States on Thursday delivered two Black Hawk military helicopters to Croatia, which is engaged in a mini arms race with neighboring Russian ally Serbia, amid rising tensions in the post-war Balkan region.
The US embassy in Croatia’s capital Zagreb said the donated UH-60M multi-role helicopters will contribute to Croatia’s growing defense capabilities and military preparedness in support of NATO.
“Black Hawk provides capability in a range of potential missions, from special operations to tactical military transport to aeromedical evacuation,” said US Charge d’Affairs Mark Fleming, when the helicopter arrived in Zagreb by a US Air Force transport aircraft.
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“Croatia has earned a reputation as a committed and capable NATO ally, and the introduction of the Black Hawks will further enhance the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces,” Fleming said in the statement.
Defense Secretary Mario Banozic thanked the US for the donation.
“It represents evidence of the strong, friendly and allied relationship, which is growing every year,” he said.
Croatia last month struck an agreement with the US to buy 89 Bradley combat vehicles as part of cooperation with Washington and plans to form an infantry brigade as a member of NATO.
Croatia, which is also a member of the European Union, last year agreed to buy 12 Rafale fighter jets from France.
Serbia, which was at war with Croatia in the 1990s due to its separation from Serb-led Yugoslavia, has recently been arming itself with mostly Russian and Chinese warplanes, drones and anti-aircraft systems.
In recent months, Russia has handed over 30 battle tanks and 30 armored personnel carriers to Serbia.
Serbia recently purchased sophisticated Russian Pantir air defense systems as well as attack and transport helicopters and Chinese drones.
Although formally seeking EU membership, Serbia has refused to fully align its foreign policies with those of the 27-nation bloc and in parallel work on strengthening its ties with Russia and China. has done.
Croatia stands firmly with its NATO allies in the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Serbia saying it will remain neutral.