These are planes Ralfare will protect the skies in Croatia

There, as warned, pilots were greeted by members of the Croatian leadership, including President Zoran Milanovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic.

As further reported in the Croatian media script, Telegrafi notes, “Rafales” were established from the air base in Bordeaux and entered Croatian airspace west of Rovinj.

The flight lasted an hour and 40 minutes and were brought by Croatian pilots who were trained for their use for 15 months.

“The arrival of new combat aircraft is an important step towards modernising and strengthening the Croatian Air Force in the protection of airspace and a key factor in preserving Croatia's security in the future, as well as strengthening the overall combat force of the Croatian Army, which also symbolizes strong co-operation between Croatia and the NATO alliance in common peacekeeping, stability and security”, said in press release.

As noted further, planes have reached two years and five months after signing the contract with France worth more than one billion euros and the arrival of other contracted aircraft is expected early next year.

While the AP points out, in what seemed to be a mini arms race in the Balkans, Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq also announced plans last month to buy 12 new Rafale planes in an agreement reportedly worth 3 billion euros.

But the possible agreement was not confirmed by French officials.

The acquisition of Rafale aircraft would allow Serbia to modernise its air force, which consist mainly of Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter aircraft, as well as old Yugoslav warplanes.

Russia has been a traditional supplier of military planes, including fighter helicopters, for Serbia, which has refused to join international sanctions against Moscow for its invasion in Ukraine.

The swift Armatta of the Serbian Army in recent years has upset some of its neighbours, further stressed the AP's writing.

Serbia, a European Union candidate, is almost entirely surrounded by NATO member states.