Anušić: Equipping All Three Services of the Croatian Armed Forces ‒ Investments in Major Modernisation Will Reach Approximately €4 Billion

In the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, at the Élysée Palace, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Ivan Anušić, and the French Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin, today, 8 December 2025, signed a contract for the procurement of 18 Caesar MK2 self-propelled howitzers and a Letter of Intent for further upgrading 12 Rafale aircraft from the Rafale F3-R standard to enhanced capabilities of the Rafale F4 standard.

Minister Anušić and the Chief Executive Officer of the company KNDS, Nicolas Million, also signed an agreement in Satory for the procurement of an additional equipment package for the Caesar MK2 self-propelled howitzers.

The value of the contract for the procurement of 18 Caesar MK2 self-propelled howitzers, including both the basic and additional packages, amounts to €328,089,223, with delivery scheduled by 2030.

These are important projects for the modernisation and equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces. Following the investment in the Croatian Air Force, attention is now focussed on the Croatian Army, with the modernisation of the Croatian Navy set to follow.

Prime Minister Plenković, emphasised: ”We are particularly pleased with the accelerated pace of cooperation in the defence sector. Today’s meetings, focused on implementating the loan Croatia has secured from the European Union’s SAFE Instrument—a loan amounting to €1.7 billion —will include discussions on allocating part of these funds to the purchase of Caesar self-propelled howitzers to meet the needs of the Croatian Armed Forces.”

Prime Minister Plenković also expressed satisfaction with the successful procurement of 12 multi-role Rafale combat aircraft stating: “The intention to further equip the Rafales and raise them to the standard of the most advanced aircraft operated by the French Air and Space Force represents an additional step in strengthening Croatia’s defence capabilities. As a result, Croatia will posess the most powerful air force between Germany and Greece in our part of Europe.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić highlighted: “After equipping the Croatian Air Force with 12 Rafale combat aircraft, we are continuing the modernisation of the Armed Forces by equipping the Croatian Army. Today, we signed contracts for the procurement of 18 Caesar MK2 self-propelled howitzers and additional equipment, which will enhance our artillery and missile units. Next year, concrete decisions will also be taken regarding the procurement of corvettes for the Croatian Navy. With this, all three services of the Croatian Armed Forces will be comprehensively equipped. When all investments are combined, from the Rafales to major procurements and upcoming decisions for the Navy, the Croatian Government and the Ministry of Defence will invest approximately €4 billion.”

“In this historic modernisation of our military, we are ensuring that the involvement of Croatian defence companies in the overall equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces. This strengthens the domestic defence industry, increases Croatia’s defence capacities, and consequently enhances national security,” said Minister Anušić.

Procurement of Caesar 6X6 Self-Propelled Howitzers

The joint procurement of 155 mm Caesar 6×6 MK2 (NG) self-propelled howitzers is being carried out through the French Armament Agency, which manages contracts not only for the Armed Forces of the French Republic but also on behalf of other interested countries, including Croatia, Estonia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Portugal.

The basic package includes 18 Caesar 6×6 MK2 self-propelled howitzers, together with directly associated systems, subsystems, equipment, software, and services. The additional equipment package, primarily supplied by the French company KNDS, includes systems for target acquisition and surveillance, fire-control systems, approximately 90 communication vehicles (armoured and off-road vehicles for transporting ammunition and other off-road vehicles), and other equipment.

The procurement of the Caesar MK2 wheeled systems forms part of the modernisation of the Croatian Army’s artillery and missile units with state-of-the-art 155 mm weapon systems that meet modern battlefield requirements and NATO capability goals.

The Caesar 6×6 MK2 howitzers are distinguished by their mobility, rapid deployment, and high accuracy. Manufactured by KNDS France, the system is recognised for its reliability and security during fire missions, high accuracy, and key tactical and technical characteristics, including: a range of over 600 km, preparation for fire missions in under 45 seconds, the ability to fire 6 rounds per minute, a maximum range of up to 55 km, and ballistic and mine protection for the crew cabin.

The plan is to equip the entire self-propelled howitzer battalion according to the “Total Package Approach” to achieve full operational capability.

Letter of Intent Signed for the Upgrading of 12 Rafale Aircraft

To enhance the combat capabilities of the Rafale F3-R aircraft, a Letter of Intent was signed for the further upgrading of 12 Rafale aircraft from the F3-R standard to the enhanced capabilities of the Rafale F4 standard.

This upgrade will further enhance the current combat capabilities of the Rafale F3-R aircraft operated by the Croatian Air Force. The upgrade will improve firepower, enhance sensors for data collection and processing, and increase the aircraft’s self-protection and survivability in modern air combat conditions.