At the NATO meeting, Minister Anušić: “Croatia is prepared to increase defence spending by 5%”
“I want to make it very clear that 3.5 percent will be allocated for military purposes and 1.5 percent for defence-related purposes,” said Anušić
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić is participating in the NATO Summit, which is being held on 24 and 25 June 2025 in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Increased defence spending, current security challenges, bolstering the Alliance’s defence capabilities, deterrence, and defence, as well as adjusting NATO forces to new situations, bolstering the defence industry, and ongoing support for Ukraine, are among the topics that will be covered at the NATO Summit.
“We are in support of raising defence expenditure to 5% of GDP, but I want to make it very clear that this is broken down into 1.5% for investments connected to defence and security and 3.5% for defence, which includes arming, equipping, and modernising the armed services. Croatia is ready. We have our own dynamics, strategy, and well-defined plan for achieving these allocations and directing them to national objectives, and we are headed in that way.” The deadline for fulfilment has been set for 2035, and its extension has been proposed. In a media statement, Minister Anušić told reporters that Croatia would certainly meet these deadlines.
The Minister also attended the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum 2025.
“The messages were unambiguous, and everyone present experienced a profound sense of unity.” Minister Anušić stated that although the media’s attention has shifted to the Middle East conflicts, the threat of Russian aggression against Ukraine has not diminished.
He went on to say that this is a great chance for Croatia and many other countries to boost their economy by investing in the military and security sector. “These days, defence is more than simply a tank, grenade, or a howitzer. It also includes cybersecurity, transport systems and corridors, as well as communications and border security systems,” he added.
Regarding strengthening Croatia’s defence sector, Anušić noted that the country is presently manufacturing over two hundred thousand combat FPV drones.
He clarified that these drones are entirely Croatian, with not a single component coming from China or other nations that are not currently members of the EU or NATO.
“FPV drones are proven combat drones that have been used on battlefields worldwide, mostly in Ukraine, for a very long time. We have already notified NATO and EU members that we are prepared to take the lead in the production and cooperative acquisition of small FPV drones, as the company that makes them is based in the country. Even before the end of the year, we can swiftly boost production to half a million drones. We are now making great progress in this area,” the Minister stated and added that, in order to achieve the new objective, raise defence spending to 5%, and develop new capabilities, Croatia will invest in radar systems, cyber security, and air defence.
A historic modernisation and equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces is currently being carried out by the Ministry of Defence and the Government of the Republic of Croatia. The acquisition of the most advanced Leopard 2A8 tanks, the powerful HIMARS missile system, and Bayraktar unmanned systems is currently in progress.
US Senators and Minister Anušić at the NATO Summit sidelines
During his bilateral discussions with US senators on the sidelines of the NATO Summit, Minister Anušić talked about regional security, sustained Croatian participation in international missions and operations, and strengthening defence cooperation with the US.
The Minister underlined at the time that the United States of America is the Republic of Croatia’s most significant and reliable defence ally and that a contract with the US Government has been signed for the delivery of military services and equipment valued at $1 billion USD.
He gave the senators an overview of the Croatian Armed Forces’ ongoing modernisation initiatives, including the introduction of the ROLE 2 field hospital, HIMARS missiles, and Bradley armoured combat vehicles into operational usage.
Additionally, the minister emphasised Croatia’s dedication to defence spending, stating: “This year we reached 2%, and in the last 10 years Croatia has increased defence allocations by as much as 200%.”
In the evening, Minister Anušić will attend the North Atlantic Council’s working dinner in a ministerial format.
