Croatia Invests in Security, the Armed Forces, and the Defence Industry

Representing the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić attended the conference “Croatian Defence Industry 2025 – European Opportunities, Dual-Use Technologies, and Global Security,” held on 5 November 2025 and organized by Jutarnji List at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb.

The conference brought together leading domestic and European experts in the fields of defence, security, and the military industry.

Minister Anušić thanked the organisers for placing the defence industry at the forefront as one of today’s most important strategic priorities.

“We no longer have time merely to discuss security and defence – we must act. It’s time to turn security topics into concrete projects, because without our own defence capabilities there can be no stability or development. The European Commission and the European Union have clearly recognized this, and Croatia is participating in a timely manner with a clear vision,” said Minister Anušić.

He emphasised that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed global politics and stressed that Europe must be capable of defending itself using its own resources:

“The law of the stronger has returned. This must not be repeated ‒ yet it will happen if we are weak and wait for someone else to defend us. Croatia does not want this, and must not allow it. Our duty is to strengthen our own capacities and capabilities.”

Largest Investment in the Modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces

Minister Anušić noted that Croatia is currently undertaking the largest investment in the modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces in recent history. The Ministry of Defence is continuously investing three billion euros in equipping and modernising the Croatian Armed Forces. These long-term investments will ensure Croatia has a modern, efficient, and interoperable military capable of responding to contemporary security challenges.

Through the European Union’s SAFE programme, Croatia is participating in three major projects: the procurement of Leopard 2A8 tanks worth 1.3 billion euros, 18 Caesar MK2 howitzers, and 420 Tatra military trucks.

The minister also highlighted the counter-drone protection project worth 125 million euros (excluding VAT), developed in collaboration with Končar and other Croatian partners, which will be financed directly from the Ministry of Defence budget.

Her explained that the project includes stationary and mobile systems for protecting critical military infrastructure, as well as the development of systems based on artificial intelligence and resilience to cyber threats. He described it as a significant step towards a new generation of Croatian defence technology.

He placed particular emphasis on the importance of developing the domestic defence industry and on cooperation between the state and the private sector:

“Many Croatian companies are now involved in the defence sector. This is strong evidence that Croatian expertise, knowledge, and innovation can contribute to both our security and economic growth,” said the minister.

He mentioned companies such as Končar, Šestan-Busch, Đuro Đaković, HS Produkt, Orqa, DOK-ING, and others, recognized for the innovation and quality of their products.

Speaking about the importance of technology, the minister said that the war in Ukraine, as tragic as it is, demonstrates that technology is decisive: “In Ukraine, 80% of destroyed armored vehicles and equipment have been the result of FPV drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. This is the future of warfare, and Croatia is already becoming an important European actor in this field.”

Croatia, together with the Netherlands and Latvia, has been proposed as the lead nation for the development and production of small drones within the European cooperation programme.
Anušić emphasised that “The defence industry is not only about weapons production – it is a high-tech, innovative, and economic sector that creates jobs, generates revenue, and strengthens national security.”

Regional Security and the Importance of Mandatory Military Service

The minister also highlighted the importance of mandatory military service, particularly in the context of modern global threats:

“Modern threats are no longer limited to military aggression. Climate change, natural disasters, and cyberattacks also threaten our security. Mandatory military training should be understood as a way to strengthen society, increase resilience, and prepare for emergencies.”

In his closing remarks, Minister Anušić stated that Croatia will continue to invest in security, modernisation, and the development of the domestic defence industry, as these efforts are vital not only for the military but also for the economy and national resilience.

The conference was also attended by Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar and the Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia. European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska addressed the conference via video link.

As part of the conference, State Secretary Tomislav Galić delivered a presentation on the “National Defence Strategy in the New Geopolitical Reality“. During panel discussions Ivica Grebenar, Director of the Arms Directorate, and Brigadier General Davor Tretinjak, Head of the Armament Sector, discussed the challenges and opportunities in developing the Croatian defence industry and the importance of strategic investments in the security of Croatia and the European Union.