Minister Anušić: Agreement Reached on Accelerated Delivery of Black Hawks and HIMARS;Negotiations on Long-Range Missiles Nearing Completion

On the final day of his working visit to the United States, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić met on 15 September 2026, at the Yulista Aviation Center of Excellence in Alabama with U.S. Armed Forces representatives responsible for the delivery of military systems procured by Croatia.

Accompanied by Croatian Air Force Commander Brigadier General Krešimir Ražov and State Secretary Tomislav Galić, Minister Anušić discussed with the U.S. side the status of procurements contracted by Croatia with the U.S. Government, namely eight Black Hawk helicopters, eight HIMARS systems, and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

An agreement was reached to accelerate the delivery of the Black Hawk helicopters and HIMARS systems, which, instead of arriving in the third quarter of 2028, are now expected to arrive in Croatia in late 2027 or early 2028. In addition, negotiations on the procurement of long-range missiles, with a range exceeding 150 kilometres, for the HIMARS systems are in their final stages. Minister Anušić and Commander Ražov inspected the Black Hawks destined for Croatia. On this occasion, the Minister also signed the interior of one of the eight helicopters intended for the Croatian Air Force.

“We held specific discussions on accelerating the delivery of Black Hawks and HIMARS systems to Croatia. I am pleased to say that we have agreed on an accelerated delivery schedule and that in less than a year and a half, we will have Black Hawks and HIMARS systems in our Armed Forces,” Minister Anušić said. He added that, in addition to the four Black Hawks already in service with the Croatian Air Force, these eight new aircraft would complete the squadron.

Final outfitting and testing of the Black Hawks for the Croatian Armed Forces, which will further strengthen the Croatian Air Force,are currently underway at Yulista.

“The Black Hawks provide us with a wide range of capabilities that we have already developed. As a multi-role platform, the Black Hawk can carry a wide range of weaponry to support our Army and Navy, and especially the Special Forces Command. Everything is progressing very well. These eight helicopters will soon join our fleet in Croatia,” Brigadier General Ražov said.

Minister Anušić also explained the arrangements made regarding missiles for the HIMARS systems.

“In addition to the accelerated delivery, we are discussing long-range missiles for the system. The U.S. side sees no issue with supplying us with long-range missiles as well,” Minister Anušić said.

Minister emphasised that the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defence are carrying out an intensive modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces, with investments being made across all three services of the Armed Forces. New military helicopters and powerful missile launchers will strengthen the Croatian Armed Forces’ air and ground capabilities, contributing to the development of a modern and well-equipped military force by 2030.