Minister Anušić: Strengthening Cooperation with Slovakia and Supporting Our Defence Industries

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić met today with The Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák.

Following the meeting, the two Ministers signed a Letter of Intent on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Most importantly, the Letter of Intent will enhance support for the defence industries of both countries and cooperation in the modernization of their armed forces. Through this Letter of Intent, cooperation with the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic will continue in such a way that the Slovak Ministry of Defence will be able to procure combat protective helmets from the Croatian company Šestan-Busch through joint procurement arrangements with the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia.

Specifically, in the interest of strengthening Croatian defence industry, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia (MOD) will enable Slovakia, as well as other interested European countries, to join the framework agreement that the Croatian MOD has with Šestan-Busch for the procurement of combat protective helmets.

It should be recalled that the Slovak Ministry of Defence is already procuring specialized military fabric for its armed forces from the Croatian companies Čateks d.d. and Galeb d.d. That contract was signed last year and it is worth approximately EUR 30 million.

Minister Anušić thanked the Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák for his visit and stated: “We have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen bilateral cooperation between our two countries and our two ministries. In today’s environment of uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, we must cooperate with friendly nations and strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of defence and security, and Slovakia is indeed a friendly country.”

Minister Anušić and Minister Kaliňák also emphasized that cooperation between the Slovak and Croatian defence industries is already underway and will be further enhanced.

“This Letter of Intent will undoubtedly expand our cooperation into other areas as well, and we will certainly keep both the Croatian and Slovak public informed of these developments,” Minister Anušić said.

“This is another major step forward in the support we provide to the Croatian defence industry. We are proud that the products of our companies—reflecting the expertise, innovation, and skills of our people—are equipping armed forces across Europe and around the world. We remain committed and steadfast in supporting Croatian companies because a strong domestic industry contributes to national security, economic development, and greater independence from foreign supply chains,” Minister Anušić added.

Slovak Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák expressed his satisfaction with the visit to Croatia and signing of the Letter of Intent, which strengthens defence cooperation between the two countries, particularly between their defence industries.

“By signing this Letter of Intent, we are beginning a new era of cooperation between our ministries. Today, the development of defence industries and armaments is the main topic of discussion among all Defence Ministers of the European Union and NATO,” the Slovak Minister said.

Minister Kaliňák also announced future cooperation between the Slovak Ministry of Defence and Croatian companies. He highlighted the successful development of cooperation in the production of specialized fabrics for military uniforms. The uniforms worn by Slovak soldiers are made from fabric produced by Croatian companies. In addition, Slovakia will procure combat protective helmets from a Croatian manufacturer.

The two ministers also discussed the situation in Southeast Europe, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the broader global security environment, and the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara.