Bilateral Defence Consultations between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America

Regular bilateral defence consultations between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America were held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

The Croatian delegation was led by Ms Nikolina Volf, acting Director of the Defence Policy Directorate, while the United States delegation was headed by Mr David A. Baker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for European and NATO Policy.

The previous consultations were held in Washington, D.C., in October 2024. The consultations provided an opportunity for dialogue regarding the comprehensive and substantive defence cooperation between the two countries to date, as well as its future development.

Discussions centred on training and exercises, capability development, modernisation projects, education, and other areas of cooperation within the framework of bilateral defence cooperation for the period 2023–2028. Continued quantitative and qualitative growth in mutually beneficial activities was highlighted.

In the context of multilateral cooperation, participants discussed Croatia’s contributions to NATO and EU initiatives and activities. The focus was on the implementation of strategic documents and capability goals, as well as on regional cooperation, primarily within the framework of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter, chaired by the Republic of Croatia in 2026, and the Centre for Security Cooperation – RACVIAC. Opportunities for cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries were also discussed.

Global security issues were also reviewed, including the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, and South-East Europe. During the consultations, both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved since the previous consultations. The Republic of Croatia reaffirmed its status as a reliable NATO ally and a strategic partner in matters concerning regional security and stability.

Nikolina Volf, who is authorised to perform the duties of director, emphasised that the United States continues to be a global strategic partner for the Republic of Croatia in the field of defence. She expressed gratitude for the support received thus far across various areas, particularly in relation to equipment and modernisation projects. Notable among these are the procurement projects for Black Hawk helicopters, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and the high-mobility HIMARS artillery missile system. She reaffirmed the Republic of Croatia’s commitment to further investment in defence and to its role as a credible ally in the development of capabilities and in contributing to NATO operations, missions, and activities.

Cooperation with the Minnesota National Guard was also highlighted, marking 30 years of partnership this year, with particular emphasis on the success of all joint projects undertaken to date.

The intention to further develop bilateral defence relations and strengthen the strategic partnership within the framework of transatlantic security, while addressing current and potential future challenges, was reaffirmed.