Acquistion of Bradely infantry fighting vehicles is a continuation of strategic partnership between Croatia and the United States
Deputy Prime Minister and Deefence Minister Anušić expressed pride that the largest service of the Croatian Armed Forces now possesses the infantry fighting vehicles that form the backbone of the US armoured and mechanised units
As part of the acquisition for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, the first 22 of 89 American 22 M2A2 Bradley ODS infantry fighting vehicles arrived in Rijeka today, 6 December 2023. The Croatian Armed Forces are given more opportunities for training and cooperation with the Armed Forces of the United States of America, further strengthening their capabilities and increasing Croatia’s contribution to the collective security of NATO allies.
The vehicles will be overhauled by Đuro Đaković Special Vehicles in Slavonski Brod so that they are ready for operational service by 2026.
“The CAF’s efforts to enhance all of its components are being confirmed by the acquisition of the Bradley. We are providing the Croatian Army with the tools it needs to carry out its tasks even more effectively while taking into account the difficulties of modern defence and security through our strategic partnership as well as cooperation with the USA. The defence budget has grown by twofold over the last seven years and now exceeds one billion euros thanks to the government’s efforts. We continue to invest in the equipment and modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces and improve the status and material rights of Croatian soldiers,” Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on this occasion.
The Minnesota National Guard, which has been cooperating with Croatia since 1996, will support the CAF’s introduction of Bradley vehicles into operational use under the State Partnership Programme, strengthening the defence cooperation that continues to be the cornerstone of bilateral relations between the United States and Croatia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić noted that the arrival of Bradley in the Republic of Croatia confirms the strength of the strategic partnership between the United States and the Republic of Croatia, as well as the successful dynamics of the implementation of the most significant projects of equipping and modernising the Croatian Armed Forces.
“We will introduce the Framework for Defence Cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia and the Department of Defence of the United States of America from 2023 to 2028 at the government session tomorrow. This framework aims to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations. Bradleys will thus play a major role in strengthening our forces’ overall combat power and readiness. I take great pride in the fact that the vehicle that forms the backbone of American armoured and mechanised units is becoming part of our armed forces’ equipment. I am convinced that Croatian soldiers equipped with this powerful weapon will be an even stronger guarantor of the peace and security of our homeland and beyond,” added the minister.