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Croatia to supply Ukraine with M-84 Tanks, M-80 IFVS

Croatia plans to send 30 upgraded M-84 tanks to Ukraine, while acquiring 50 new Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany as part of an expanded defense collaboration.

byOlena Mukhina

28/10/2024

2 minute read

Ukrainian soldiers prepare to defend Pokrovsk. Credit: The 24th King Danylo Brigade

Croatia to supply Ukraine with M-84 Tanks, M-80 IFVS

Croatia plans to deliver 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, which will be replaced by 50 new Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, as reported by the Croatian Ministry of Defense.

In the 1990s, Croatia inherited a fleet of Yugoslav-made M-84 tanks. Since 2008, all of them have been upgraded to the M-84A4 Sniper standard, and as of 2023, most have undergone overhauls and updated communication systems.

The tank’s mobility has also been improved, with a new 1,000-horsepower V46-TK diesel engine and upgraded turret rotation and gun elevation mechanisms, says Militarnyi. However, the level of protection remained unchanged—during these upgrades, the tanks did not receive any add-on armor packages or reactive armor.

On 28 October, Croatian and German Defense Ministers Ivan Anušić and Boris Pistorius signed a Letter of Intent in Berlin, which will be the first step toward equipment procurement.

Germany has invited Croatia to join the joint procurement program for the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank, the latest model produced by Europe’s leading arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.

“Croatian and German Defense Ministers Ivan Anušić and Boris Pistorius signed today a Letter of Intent expressing the two countries’ readiness to deliver 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 IFVs, including spare parts and ammunition, from Croatian stockpiles to Ukraine.

Croatia will receive funds from Germany to finance the initial delivery of these tanks and combat vehicles, which will be also used to purchase new German Leopard 2A8 tanks,” the Croatian Ministry of Defense press service stated.

According to Anušić, this procurement model “suits all parties involved—Croatia, Germany, and Ukraine.”

The amount Croatia has to pay for the new Leopard 2A8s will be reduced by the value of the equipment Zagreb will transfer to Ukraine.

An official government decision regarding the long-term financing of this project is expected by mid-November.

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