Minister Anušić Signs Letter of Intent in Ankara on Cooperation to Enhance Strategic Airlift Capabilities

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić is attending a NATO summit taking place in Ankara, Republic of Turkey on 6th and 7th July.

As part of the summit program, Minister Anušić attended today, on 7th July, the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, which focused on the transatlantic defence industry, investments, and innovation.

Minister Anušić during the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation to enhance strategic airlift capabilities through the use of Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft, together with the Defence Ministers of Belgium, Poland, Turkey, Spain, the United Kingdom and France.

Minister Anušić emphasized that Croatia will incur no obligations or costs in relation to this project until 2030, after which it will determine the nature and scope of its participation. Answering journalists’ questions, Minister Anušić also emphasized that Croatia will initially participate in the project as an Ally, potentially through specific arrangements with participating nations that operate Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft for rapid deployment of the troops and military equipment.

This initiative constitutes a NATO High Visibility Project (HVP), an instrument designed to accelerate development of the key Allied capabilities.

Specifically, the Republic of Croatia has adopted the NATO capability target for “Strategic Deployment,” which encompasses capabilities for the heavy and medium transport of troops and military equipment.

In accordance with the signed Letter of Intent, the Republic of Croatia gains the opportunity to participate in the work of the expert working group and to actively participate in shaping cooperation arrangements in line with national interests and priorities.

Minister Anušić highlighted that the Long-Term Development Plan of the Croatian Armed Forces identifies a requirement for a transport aircraft.
“With this, we will fulfil an obligation from the Long-Term Development Plan of the Croatian Armed Forces, ensuring that we—together with our allies—have a transport aircraft at our disposal,” Anušić said.

Speaking about the main messages of the NATO summit, Minister Anušić highlighted three key topics: the continuing trend of increased defence spending, the strengthening of the defence industry, and continued support for Ukraine.

“At the NATO Summit, Croatia will demonstrate a trend of rising defence spending—having reached 2.10% of the GDP for defence last year—and we are strengthening our domestic defence industry, which was also a central topic at today’s NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum; and, of course, we are continuing to support Ukraine in its efforts and struggle for independence and freedom.”

Minister Anušić: Croatia Exceeds 1.5% Target for Defence – Related Investments

For the first time, the Minister presented data showing that Croatia has met—and indeed exceeded—the NATO target of allocating 1.5% of GDP to defence-related investments.

“It is important to emphasize—and to inform the Croatian public for the first time—that while we committed to a total defence spending level of 5% of GDP, with 1.5% of that figure dedicated to specific defence-related investments, we have already allocated more than 1.5% to defence-linked projects within the civilian sector. Specifically, we have reached 1.89%,” Minister Anušić announced.

These investments largely focus on cooperation regarding military mobility—specifically transport infrastructure and logistics capabilities—as well as collaboration with civil protection services. They also encompass projects in healthcare, cyber capabilities, and critical infrastructure, along with general dual-use projects that strengthen national and societal resilience.