Anušić at opening of ASDA: Croatia is working intensively on development of the defence industry

The ceremonial opening of the Adriatic Sea Defense & Aerospace Exhibition and Conference (ASDA 2025) was held today, 8 April 2025, at the Arena Zagreb.

The ASDA exhibition is held for the eighth time in Croatia and the first time in Zagreb, under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and with support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, organized by the American company TNT Production LLC, which specializes in organizing trade fair events.

ASDA was officially opened by the envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić. In his address, he emphasized the importance of this event, saying that this is not only an opportunity to present the latest technologies, but also to strengthen international cooperation in the field of the defence industry.

Leopard tank for the first time in Croatia; soon to be part of the Croatian Army

“Nowadays, the defence industry is becoming a hot topic. In the past two or three years, Europe and the world have begun to think about security and preparation for current potential threats. So we will see new technologies here, new armament, and we will also see what the Croatian Army has, as well as the equipment that will soon be in the arsenal of the CAF,” the Minister said. He also emphasized that at this year’s edition of ASDA, among other things, the Leopard tank and the HIMARS self-propelled missile system can be seen.

“This is the first time that a Leopard tank is in Croatia, which the Croatian Army will soon have in its structure. The Croatian Armed Forces and the Croatian Government are negotiating with Germany regarding the procurement of up to 50 pieces of these tanks, which should arrive in Croatia in the year 2028. At this moment, negotiations are also underway to deliver replacement Leopard tanks, which the CAF will use for training until the arrival of new ones, which are under negotiation. The arrival of replacement training tanks, about ten of them, is expected this year,” the Minister said.

Anušić: By the year 2030 Croatia plans to reach 3 percent of the GDP for defence

Minister Anušić emphasized that Croatia is actively working on development of its defence industry, with the aim of achieving greater sustainability and independence in the production of equipment and weapons for its own armed forces, and continues to strengthen cooperation in areas in which it will not be able to produce its own products.

“Croatia is working intensively on development of its defence industry, and is negotiating further cooperation with its allies in order to improve our and their defence industries,” he said, emphasizing that this year Croatia has reached 2% of the total amount of GDP for defence and is continuing in that direction. “By the year 2027, we plan to reach 2.5%, and by the year 2030, 3.0% of the total amount for defence,” he said.

The Minister estimated that ASDA offers great opportunities for Croatian companies. “I see a huge opportunity for our defence industry, which has knowledge and experience from the Homeland War, which it can apply in the future and in cooperation with other companies from other countries. That is why I hope that this will be a successful exhibition, that we will have successful bilateral meetings and successful contracts and agreements that will result from this ASDA.”

In closing, Minister Anušić thanked everyone for coming, the exhibitors and guests, and especially Justin Webb and the organizing company TNT Production.

Justin Webb: I thank the companies and exhibitors; without you all this event would not be possible

Justin Webb, representative of the organizing company TNT Production, thanked all the present guests and partners who contributed to success of this prestigious event. He thanked the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia for its continuous and crucial support, which made it possible to hold the exhibition, as well as all the organizations that contributed, the City of Zagreb and the employees of Arena Zagreb for their logistical support and help in organizing the exhibition.

“I express my special gratitude to the companies and exhibitors who have been with us for who knows what time. Your support is priceless. Without all of you, this event would not be possible. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation,” he said.

At this year’s ASDA: 236 exhibitors from 28 countries; 48 Croatian exhibitors

This year’s exhibition is attended by 236 exhibitors from 28 countries, including 48 Croatian exhibitors. The exhibition is held with the aim of presenting achievements of the military industry and supporting the international affirmation of Croatian manufacturers of the defence industry. ASDA is the largest exhibition of military equipment and weapons in this region, which has become traditional and thus is included in the calendar of international military exhibitions in the world and has become part of the Croatian defence brand.
ASDA provides for international affirmation of the Croatian defence industry manufacturers. It is an opportunity for business meetings with the leading manufacturers of weapons and military equipment, as well as for presentation of the latest achievements of the Croatian military industry.

The opening ceremony, in addition to Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and a representative of the organizing company TNT Production Justin Webb, was also attended by the Chief of the CAF General Staff LTG Tihomir Kundid, the envoy of the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Josip Đakić, the special advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia for Defence Affairs Damir Krstičević, the envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Defence Advisor Ivica Olujić, the Minister of Health Irena Hrstić, and other guests, ambassadors, representatives of the military forces and numerous exhibitors.