The United States on Thursday sent two Black Haw`k military helicopters to
Croatia, which is embroiled in a mini-arms race with ally Russia's neighbor
Serbia amid simmering tensions in the postwar Balkan region.
The US Embassy in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, said the donated UH-60M
multipurpose helicopter will contribute to the improvement of Croatia's
defense capabilities and military readiness in support of NATO.
“The Black Hawk provides capability across a wide range of possible
missions, from special operations to tactical troop transport to aeromedical
evacuation,” US Charge d'Affaires Mark Fleming said as the helicopter
arrived on a US Air Force transport aircraft in Zagreb.
"Croatia has earned a reputation as a committed and capable NATO ally, and
the introduction of the Black Hawk will further enhance the capacity of the
Croatian Armed Forces," Fleming said in a statement.
Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banozic thanked the US for the donation.
"This is a testament to the strong, friendly and allied relationship that
develops every year," he said.
Croatia last month reached an agreement with the US to buy 89 Bradley
fighting vehicles as part of its cooperation with Washington and plans as a
NATO member to form an infantry brigade. Croatia, which is also a member of
the European Union (EU), last year agreed to buy 12 Rafale fighter jets from
France.
Serbia itself has recently been largely arming itself with Russian and
Chinese warplanes, drones and anti-aircraft systems. Serbia was at war with
Croatia in the 1990s due to its separation from Yugoslavia.
In recent months, Russia has handed over 30 battle tanks and 30 armored
personnel carriers to Serbia. Serbia also recently purchased Russia's
advanced Pantsir air defense system, as well as Chinese attack and transport
helicopters and drones.
Despite officially seeking EU membership, Serbia has refused to fully align
its foreign policy with the 27-nation bloc and has sought to strengthen its
ties with Russia and China in parallel.
With Croatia standing firm with its NATO allies in the current tensions
between Russia and Ukraine, Serbia has said it will remain neutral.
