Minister Kotromanović held lecture at War College

Minister was welcomed by the Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Slavko Barić, and the HVU Acting Director and Commander of the War College, Brigadier General Slaven Zdilar.

During a lecture on “The defence policy and key objectives in the coming period”, the Minister pointed out that the main goal to be achieved during his term in office would be to make the Armed Forces “better, stronger, faster and more efficient”. For this purpose, the Defence Ministry and General Staff, which have an excellent cooperation, hitherto encouraged and prompted a series of processes.

Speaking of defence policy, the Minister indicated it as a link between national security policy and CAF capability development. He stressed the need to redefine the strategic documents and plans, as well as legislation in the field of defence. Many of these processes have been already underway or about to be implemented.

When it comes to CAF development, Minister Kotromanović said that we should put emphasis on developing the capabilities to conduct operations, on establishing the targeted structure and the appropriate CAF size, more advanced training, equipping and modernization, and on the development of Special Forces and Coast Guard.

For the achievement of this development it is essential to establish the proper personnel management, and management of financial and material resources, the Minister said. Furthermore, it is extremely important to participate in international organizations and activities (NATO, EU, international operations, Smart Defence initiative …). Of course, our Armed Forces with its unique capacity have to continue providing assistance to civilian institutions and the Croatian population.

In conclusion, the minister singled out the following objectives: ensuring the functioning and development of the defence systems in terms of the financial crisis, strengthening of management processes and responsibilities, developing CAF capabilities through training and investment in people, investment in modernization in accordance with our possibilities and strengthening democratic oversight and transparency of CAF.