Minister Anušić and European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius Visit the Croatian Air Force

Following the signing of the Loan Agreement under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius visited the Croatian Air Force today at the Colonel Marko Živković Barracks in Velika Gorica.

Commissioner Kubilius and Minister Anušić toured the Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft and the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and also had the opportunity to see the Bayraktar TB-2 unmanned aerial system, the Orbiter 3B, and Croatian-produced FPV drones operated by the Croatian Armed Forces.

Commander of the Croatian Air Force, Brigadier General Krešimir Ražov, briefed Commissioner Kubilius and Minister Anušić on the modern capabilities of the Croatian Air Force.

Minister Anušić referred to the signed agreement and emphasised that it pertains to a European Union loan amounting to EUR 1.7 billion, which will be used to equip the armed forces.

The minister stated that, within the framework of this loan, Leopard 2A8 tanks, Caesar howitzers, Tatra trucks, as well as ammunition and missiles, will be procured for the armed forces through joint procurement.

Minister Anušić also commented on the completion of the first generation of basic military training, saying: “The first generation of conscripts has completed basic military training. A total of 800 conscripts participated in the training, and 260 of them expressed the desire to remain in the Croatian Armed Forces, which is a significant number compared to previous periods.”

“The second generation is ready to enter the barracks as early as next week. Conscientious objection remains at approximately 2 to 3 per cent. We have increased the capacity from 800 to 900 conscripts per generation, and by the end of August, we plan to further increase it to 1,000 conscripts per generation undergoing basic military training,” the minister stated.

In conclusion, Minister Anušić stated, “We are pleased with our progress, and we can confidently say that by 2030, we will achieve a fully manned reserve, a complete professional composition of the Croatian Armed Forces, and fully equipped Croatian Armed Forces.”

Commissioner Kubilius Expressed Admiration for the Croatian Air Force Capabilities and Praised the Basic Military Training Project

European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said he was impressed by the capabilities of the Croatian Air Force, as well as by Croatian-produced drones and the fact that Croatia is striving to become a leading nation in the production of FPV drones within the European Union.

Commissioner Kubilius praised Croatia as an excellent example for other European Union member states in terms of investing in defence. He also commended the initiative to reintroduce mandatory basic military training.

SAFE Instrument

The reason for Commissioner Kubilius’ visit to Zagreb was the signing of the Loan Agreement under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, through which a loan of up to EUR 1.7 billion has been made available to the Republic of Croatia.

The SAFE financial instrument will finance the procurement of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks valued at EUR 1.14 billion, with delivery expected between 2028 and 2030. The procurement of 18 Caesar 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, valued at EUR 301.6 million, is scheduled for delivery in 2029.

Additionally, 420 Tatra 6×6 and 8×8 heavy cargo trucks will be acquired at a cost of EUR 211.7 million, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2030. Furthermore, there will be a procurement of ordnance for the Croatian Armed Forces, amounting to approximately EUR 46 million.