Croatia now operates former U.S. military vehicles

ZAGREB, Croatia, April 11 (UPI) -- More than two dozen U.S.-made armored vehicles are now operational with the Croatian military following their donation by the U.S. government.

The 30 vehicles are MaxxPro mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles by Navistar Defense.

The Croatian Ministry of Defense said the MRAPs are part of a larger donation of 212 armored vehicles and will be used for patrolling, convoy security, reconnaissance, medical evacuation and personnel transport.

"The MRAP vehicles will provide the ballistic and counter-mine protection to the members of the Croatian armed forces, enhancing operational safety and security of task performance and upgrading the existing capabilities, and thus enable the Croatian armed forces respond to new challenges and threats of the unforeseeable future," said Gen. Drago Lovrić, Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian armed forces.

"It (the donation) is another confirmation of the United States of America being the foremost strategic defense partner of the Republic of Croatia."

The MRAPs were officially taken over by the Croatian military on April 7, the Ministry of Defense said.