Thousands Gather at Jarun to Mark the 35th Anniversary of the Croatian Armed Forces and Croatia’s Statehood Day

To mark the Croatian Armed Forces Day, Croatian Army Day, the 35th Anniversary of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia, a comprehensive programme was held at Jarun and Ban Josip Jelačić Square in Zagreb, where the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia presented their capabilities, readiness and ongoing modernisation efforts to the public.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić expressed his satisfaction with successful organisation of the event and the large turnout of visitors: “With yet another military spectacle on Jarun, the Croatian Army has shown how impressive its capabilities are, which have been systematically growing through historical modernization and equipment. The flight programme, in which partner countries also participated, was particularly attractive. The Croatian Army and the Croatian people are inextricably linked, and this was proven by the thousands of people who enjoyed the programme of our Armed Forces on Jarun today on the occasion of Statehood Day”, Minister Anušić said.

The Chief of Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, stated on this occasion that the Croatian Armed Forces are a guarantor of national security, but also a means of deterrence: “It is right for citizens to see how strong and powerful their army is. The Armed Forces are currently in a phase of exponential modernization and equipment, which is of particular importance.”

The programme began at Ban Josip Jelačić Square with a joint performance by the Croatian Armed Forces Symphonic Wind Orchestra and the Honour Guard Battalion. Combining music and military precision, the performance also featured the Military Acrobatics Unit and ballet dancers from the School of Classical Ballet.

The central event took place at Jarun, where visitors had the opportunity throughout the day to view an extensive display of combat and non-combat weapons systems, military vehicles and equipment used by the Croatian Armed Forces.

Among the key assets on display were M-ATV, Patria and Bradley armoured vehicles, the M-84 main battle tank, Vulkan and Grad multiple-launch rocket systems, the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, as well as a wide range of specialised vehicles, unmanned systems and military equipment.

Colonel Robert Budimir Bekan, who led the tactical demonstration at Jarun, expressed his satisfaction with the public response.

“Our initial impressions are extremely positive. A large number of citizens gathered at Jarun from the early hours of the day, demonstrating strong public interest and support for this event. The atmosphere has been outstanding, and attendance has exceeded our expectations,” he said.

Visitors also welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with members of the Croatian Armed Forces.

“What impressed me most was speaking with soldiers and learning more about the vehicles, weapons and equipment on display. It is evident how much the Croatian Armed Forces have advanced in recent years. I am pleased to have experienced this event in person and to have shared it with my family,” visitor Hrvoje said.

Particular attention was drawn to a dynamic demonstration of the CAF operational capabilities on land, at sea and in the air.

Visitors witnessed elements of the Special Forces Command’s capabilities, including parachute operations, amphibious activities and special operations conducted with support from the Croatian Air Force and the Croatian Navy.

The programme also featured demonstrations of tactical FPV drone operations and a display of Croatian Army capabilities in one of the most demanding tactical tasks – crossing a water obstacle using Patria armoured combat vehicles.

A live video feed from a Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle, conducting aerial surveillance throughout the event, was also presented to visitors.

The highlight of the celebration was the attractive flight programme performed by the Croatian Air Force and participating aircraft from the armed forces of Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, the United States and France.

Visitors enjoyed displays by military and aerobatic aircraft, as well as overflights by helicopter and fighter formations. Particular attention was drawn to the Croatian Air Force aerobatic display team Wings of Storm and the Croatian Air Force’s Rafale multirole fighter aircraft.

A joint overflight featuring Croatian and French Rafale fighter jets together with Italian Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft attracted significant interest and symbolically reaffirmed the strong partnership and cooperation among Allied air forces.

Following the flight programme, Commander of the Croatian Air Force Brigadier General Krešimir Ražov expressed his satisfaction with the strong public turnout.

“We are proud to present such an attractive programme to our citizens on the occasion of Croatian Armed Forces Day, Croatian Army Day and Croatia’s Statehood Day, and to celebrate this important national holiday together with them,” Brigadier General Ražov said.

Visitor Irena shared her impressions after the flight display, emphasising that the greatest value of such events lies in providing citizens with a first-hand insight into the capabilities of a modern military and fostering a sense of national unity.

“I am impressed by everything I have seen today and proud that Croatia has such a capable, professional and motivated Armed Forces,” she said.

Throughout the day, visitors were also able to explore career opportunities within the Croatian Armed Forces through the HV Info Zone, while younger visitors enjoyed educational and interactive activities in the HV Fan Zone.

Flight simulators and virtual reality experiences proved particularly popular, enabling the youngest visitors to experience flying in Croatian Air Force aircraft and helicopters.

“I find the Croatian Armed Forces very interesting, and I especially like being able to learn more about military equipment and technology,” eight-year-old visitor Lara said.

The event provided citizens with a unique opportunity to gain direct insight into the capabilities, modernisation efforts and diversity of the Croatian Armed Forces, while witnessing first-hand their professionalism, training and operational readiness.

Alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, the event was attended by Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, senior state and military officials, ministers, Members of Parliament, Croatian war veterans, members of the Croatian Armed Forces and numerous citizens.