Minister Anušić Meets New UK Ambassador Patel at the Ministry of Defence
Both Sides Reaffirmed Commitment to Further NATO Cooperation as a Foundation for Stability and Security in Southeast Europe
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić, together with the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, met today, 12 December 2025, at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Javed Patel.
The meeting focused on ongoing modernisation and capabilitydevelopment projects, defence procurement, global security challenges, defence spending and international security initiatives.
Minister Anušić briefed Ambassador Patel on key strategic procurement programmes, including the acquisition of CAESAR self-propelled howitzers and Leopard main battle tanks for the Croatian Army. Contracts for these systems were signed earlier this week in Paris and Berlin. In this context, Minister Anušić highlighted: “We are continuing the modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces and the systematic replacement of Eastern-origin military technology with Western systems. Through sustained investment, we are strengthening the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces to ensure readiness to respond to all security challenges.“
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their shared determination to further strengthen cooperation within NATO, which represents the key framework for enhancing stability and security in Southeast Europe.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on global geopolitical challenges, including the situation in Ukraine and its impact on European security dynamics. Both parties agreed that a joint response to threats emerging from multiple directions is essential to preserving regional and international stability.
