The US Embassy to Croatia said on Friday that the United States was actively working with Israel and Croatia on the delivery of F-16 fighter jets, responding to Thursday's media reports that the Trump administration was blocking Croatia’s purchase of the twelve Israeli jets.
“The United States remains firmly committed to supporting Croatia’s desire to modernise and upgrade its air force by purchasing aircraft that are interoperable with its NATO allies,” the Embassy said.
In March this year, the Croatian government had unanimously adopted the decision to purchase twelve F-16 C/D Barak fighter jets from Israel, manufactured by the US company Locheed Martin, for roughly 3.1 billion kuna ($477 million).
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However, the contract on the delivery of jets has still not been signed. Last month, local media started speculating that the sale was blocked by the US who, as the original manufacturer which sold the aircraft to Israel, must sign off on the deal before Israel can pass them on to a third party.
The US Embassy said on Friday they have been working with Israel on the details of the transfer for over a year.
“Over the course of our discussions, we have been consistent and clear about the technical conditions under which we could approve the transfer,” they said. ” We are currently working with Israel and Croatia to reach an acceptable solution that meets Croatia’s needs within the desired timeframe.”
Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic said on Friday that he had not received any official information on the matter.
“The US government gave Israel the green light to make an offer to Croatia for the F-16 jets, we have that document. Israel made the commitment to deliver NATO-compatible aircraft to Croatia, as well as that the upgrade would be in line with the original manufacturer. The delivery is also Israel’s responsibility,” Krsticevic said, adding that Croatia’s decision to accept the offer was legal and transparent.
($1 = 6.5 kuna)
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