These are the first of 626 tactical radio stations intended for the Croatian armed forces. The radio stations were purchased through a USD12.4 million grant from the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, and will help the Croatian armed forces update their tactical communications systems as a key Partnership for Peace goal.
The radio stations were purchased with funds provided prior to suspension of the FMF programme in July 2003.
The radio, known as the Single Channel Ground and Airborne System (SINCGARS), is produced by ITT Corporation. It can be carried by individual soldiers or mounted on vehicles. SINCGARS radios meet all NATO interoperability standards.
Since Croatia joined NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in 2000, the US government has provided the Defence Ministry with FMF grants totalling nearly USD19 million to assist in modernising its equipment and training efforts.