Croatian Army celebrates the Statehood Day with spectacular display of the capabilities on Jarun

Today, on 30 May 2025, as part of celebration of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia, Croatian Army, with a festive and impressive program, transformed the Jarun Recreational and Sports Centre into a large open stage where citizens of all ages had the opportunity to experience the Croatian Army up close, in its modern, capable and professional dimension.

Minister Anušić: Today, investments are being made in Croatian Army, army is equipped and trained because of the doctrine of deterrence

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić took this opportunity to congratulate all Croatian citizens on the Statehood Day and thanked them for their interest in Croatian Army and for coming: “There is a record-breaking number of visitors today, and reasons for their arrival are clear. The army has demonstrated its new capabilities, which have not been visible or shown to the public so far. Everyone is welcome!”

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Minister Anušić recalled the year 1991, when Croatian army was not sufficiently equipped or armed, but managed to fight for its own state, and pointed out: “If at that time we had the equipment we have today, I am convinced that by the year 1991, everything that Croatia’s enemies had imagined would not have happened. It would not have come to their mind to try to crush Croatian nation and destroy their aspiration for freedom. They attacked us because they thought we were weak, that we would not succeed. However, we succeeded, although unarmed, we decisively and courageously fought for our freedom and created our own Croatian state.”

“Today, precisely for this reason, Croatian army is investing in its capabilities, equipment and training. This is not only an investment in security, but also in a credible doctrine of deterrence, because we want to be sure that no one will ever again think of doing to Croatia what was done to it in 1991,” Minister Anušić said.

Minister Anušić recalled this day 35 years ago: “I was in high school and I remember the euphoria, celebration, on streets, in the cities, and in all places in the Republic of Croatia.”

Minister Anušić recalled this day of 35 years ago: “I was in high school and I remember the euphoria, celebration, both on streets, in cities, and in all settlements in the Republic of Croatia.”

A powerful joint display of the capabilities of the Special Forces Command, Croatian army and Croatian Air Force

In central part of the programme, members of the Special Forces Command with RIB boats, Croatian Air Force with UH-60 Black Hawk and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, and Croatian Army with Patria vehicles performed a brilliant display of joint capabilities on land, in water and in air.

Powerful Rafales above Jarun and an impressive display of the Croatian army capabilities

The highlight of the day was certainly the overflight of six Rafale multi-role fighter jets, which powerfully and sonorously overflew the sky above Jarun. Two Rafales continued their overflight over the mainland and cities, while the other two overflew the Dalmatian route.

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The remaining two Rafales performed an attractive exercise and greeted numerous citizens on Jarun.

These aircraft, a symbol of technological excellence and modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces, pleased everyone present, emphasizing how equipped and ready the Croatian Army is today to respond to all challenges. As a sign of unity and togetherness, the Rafales also overflew other parts of Croatia, symbolically connecting the entire country in a joint celebration of the Statehood Day.

As part of the traditional exhibition of weapons and military equipment, visitors were able to view a wide range of combat and non-combat equipment of the Croatian Army units. Some of the state-of-the-art systems were on display, such as Patria armoured combat vehicle, MRAP vehicle, M-84 tank, Bradley armoured personnel carrier, Panzer Haubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer, as well as various artillery and missile weapons, such as the SVLR 122 M92 Vuklan and the SVLR 122 BM-21 Grad. Demining equipment, Mistral 3 air defence system, an explosive ordnance disposal robot, the RU TAKRAD satellite system, infantry weapons and other sophisticated military equipment also attracted special attention.

Programme for all generations – a combination of education and entertainment

In addition to military display and exhibitions, Croatian Army organized a series of activities that included informative content about military careers in the HV INFO ZONE. A special place to meet and socialize with members of the Croatian Army was the HV FAN ZONE, which offered numerous activities for children: from taking photos with Croatian Army members, virtual flights using VR goggles to an inflatable training ground, which provided the youngest with an amusing and unique experience.

The overall festive atmosphere was further enriched by a concert performed by Croatian Army Jazz Orchestra, which was a special and emotional musical experience for all citizens present.