The Croatian government will procure 12 used French multipurpose fighter jets Dassault Rafale F3R for €999 million, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Friday.

“The government assessed that the French offer was the best,” he said at a cabinet meeting, adding that ten single-seat and two twin-seat jets would be procured.

Plenkovic said the Dassault Rafale F3R was the latest-generation aircraft and that it was considered among the best in the world.

“The French offer turned out to be the best because Croatia is getting the best-assessed and equipped aircraft for the least money,” he said, adding that the offer was the most favourable one with the best payment in instalments that would not slow down Croatia's accession to the euro area.

Besides the Rafale, bids were submitted by the US, the latest F-16 Block 70, Sweden, the new JAS 39 Gripen C/D, and Israel, the used F-16 Barak.