18th Croatian Contingent Deployed to NATO Forward Land Forces  in Poland

The ceremonial farewell of the members of the 18th Croatian Contingent to NATO Forward Land Forces in Poland was held today at the “132nd Croatian Army Brigade” Barracks in Našice.

A total of 52 members of the 18th Croatian Contingent, including two female members, are deploying to NATO Forward Land Forces in Poland with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The commander of the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle platoon is First Lieutenant Stjepan Pandžić.

Addressing the members of the 18th Croatian Contingent, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Tomislav Galić, representing the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said:

“I am proud that we are demonstrating our capabilities in an international environment and that, for the first time, we are deploying a platoon of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to a NATO activity.”

“This contingent, together with the equipment and capabilities we are deploying to Poland, is yet another confirmation that the Croatian Armed Forces are keeping pace with contemporary security challenges and that we are ready to assume the responsibilities that NATO membership entails,” State Secretary Galić said.

State Secretary Galić also expressed his special appreciation to the families of the members of the 18th Croatian Contingent:

“Your understanding, support and patience are an integral part of every successfully  completed task carried out by our soldiers.”

Brigadier General Željko Ljubas, Commander of the Command and Operations Centre, said that the Croatian Armed Forces are currently participating in around ten missions, operations and activities around the world, stressing that their most important task is to contribute to peace and stability worldwide.

General Ljubas emphasised:
“The objective of this mission is to strengthen interoperability and combat readiness through training with the other members of the battlegroup. This significantly contributes to the development of the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces and strengthens deterrence and the collective defence of the North Atlantic Alliance.”

Bradley Platoon Commander: We Will Proudly Carry the Croatian Flag and Wear the Sokolovi Beret”

First Lieutenant Stjepan Pandžić, Commander of the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle platoon, speaking on behalf of the 18th Croatian Contingent, said:

“The military profession has never been easy, but we carry out duties with pride. We are aware of the responsibility we have towards our homeland, our fellow service members and our families waiting for us at home. It is precisely this sense of responsibility that is the source of the strength of our calling and the dignity of our service.”

“Deployment to the Republic of Poland is not merely a military task; it is also a confirmation of our professionalism and commitment. Our task is to demonstrate the high level of responsibility, knowledge, skills and training of the Croatian soldier. We will proudly carry the Croatian flag and wear the Sokolovi beret, mindful of the values we represent,” First Lieutenant Pandžić said.

In Poland, Croatian soldiers will be stationed at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area as part of a US-led battlegroup comprising personnel from the armed forces of the United States, the United Kingdom and Romania. The battle group reinforces the 15th Mechanised Brigade of the Polish Armed Forces, as the host nation.

The battlegroup’s tasks in Poland include enhancing combat readiness through joint training and exercises, as well as the continuous improvement of defence planning.

The formal farewell ceremony was attended by the families and friends of the members of the 18th HRVCON, as well as State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Tomislav Galić, representing the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; Commander of the Command and Operations Centre Brigadier General Željko Ljubas; Commander of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade Brigadier General Željko Marinov; and members of the Croatian Armed Forces.