ZAGREB, February 1, 2018 - Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said on Wednesday that a decision on the purchase of multipurpose fighter aircraft would be made very soon.
"The project is complex and talks are being conducted on the basis of the public tender, with the prime minister and me talking with other countries' prime ministers and defence ministers," Krstičević said while answering questions from the press after he presented his Ministry's procurement plan for 2018.
Asked if Israeli-made F-16 jets were being favoured, Krstičević said that the government was not favouring anyone but wanted an optimal and affordable choice.
Offers for the procurement of multipurpose combat aircraft, to replace the Air Force MiG 21 jets that have been in use since the 1991-1995 war, were opened on 3 October 2017, and they were presented by representatives of Greece, Israel, Sweden and the United States.
Greece, Israel and the US have offered various models of the F-16 jet, which are part of those countries' air forces, while the Swedish concern SAAB presented the JAS 39 Grippen fighter jet.
Croatia is expected to buy a squadron of fighter aircraft.
