Croatia rolls-out 'new' OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helos

Croatia has formally received the first of 16 surplus US Army Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior observation and light attack helicopters during a ceremony held in the country on 10 August.

The roll-out, which was attended by a host of other political and military dignitaries, saw the first five helicopters presented to the country's armed forces at the 93 Air Base at Zemunik.

The five OH-58Ds along with the remaining 11 will be operated by the Helicopter Squadron. In June Croatia received three simulators, weapons (12.7 mm Gatling guns, 70 mm Hydra rockets, and AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles), and other respective equipment. The helicopters are also equipped with the mast-mounted sight.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) did not disclose when further helicopter deliveries might take place, except to say that they will be flown to Croatia aboard US Air Force Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifters.

As noted by the MoD, the helicopters being delivered were all manufactured between 2010 and 2012 and served with the US Army from 2012 to 2015.

The USD34.8 million helicopter procurement effort has been financed by the US government (USD20.1 million) and the Croatian MoD (USD14.7 million). The Croatian government is also paying USD13.4 million in tax. The commercial value of the 16 helicopters, weapons, and simulators would normally be about USD220 million.

As noted by President Grabar-Kitarovic, this OH-58D procurement shows the need for increased investment into the acquisition of modern weapon systems, which will include the procurement of Western transport helicopters.



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