Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Anušić at the send-off of the 40th contingent of Croatian soldiers to the peace support operation in the Republic of Kosovo

On Tuesday, 21 November 2023, in the barracks of the 3rd Guards Brigade Kune in Đakovo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić took part in the ceremonial send-off of the 40th Croatian contingent (HRVCON) to the KFOR peace support operation in the Republic of Kosovo. The majority of the 40th HRVCON KFOR’s personnel are members of the Motorised Company of the Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade of the Croatian Armed Forces.

On this occasion, Minister Anušić stated that this ceremony awakened in him memories of his days spent in the Croatian Armed Forces. “I am proud of that period, just as I am proud to stand before you today as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence,” said the minister.

Pointing to the Croatian Armed Forces’ prior participation in the KFOR operation, he said, “I believe that each of the 150 members of the 40th Croatian contingent will continue that series, knowing that in Kosovo they do not represent themselves but our beloved Croatian flag.” Each member of the CAF contributed their knowledge and experience to this endeavour, fostering a positive image of our homeland and armed forces.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence pledged to do his utmost to further modernise and strengthen the Croatian Armed Forces, speaking about increasing the CAF’s capabilities and strength as a guarantor not only of the security of our homeland but also of the shared values we share with our strategic partners and allies. “This is our shared commitment, but also a debt to Croatian veterans, to those who built and realised our freedom, present and future, and you are their successors!”

He said that he will continue to work intensively on all ongoing projects, from the delivery of Rafale and Black Hawk helicopters to Bradley and Patria armoured vehicles. He further stated that talks about the construction of coastal patrol ships for the Croatian Navy will also intensify. According to the minister, there are plans to bring the Croatian Armed Forces back to Beli Manastir, which will further the CAF’s return to the towns and cities.

Additionally, he made it clear that the Ministry of Defence and this government will place a particular emphasis on the Croatian Armed Forces and that one of his top priorities would be to strengthen their material and financial standing. “All the equipment and all the weapons are nothing without motivated members of the Croatian Armed Forces.”

The minister concluded by assuring the members of the 40th HRVCON that he personally would support them in whatever situation and that he is confident they would continue to contribute to the development of our forces in operations.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Admiral Robert Hranj, wished the 40th HRVCON personnel a happy farewell and a successful completion of their tasks. He stated, “Your task is to contribute to peace, the completion of the KFOR operation, and security in our wider neighbourhood, which is of our special national interest.” The admiral also urged them not to underestimate the challenges of this operation and to always act with the utmost professionalism, motivation, and caution, following all safety protocols, working as a team, and showing consideration for one another.

Colonel Rajko Perić, the commander of the 40th HRVCON, KFOR, emphasised on this occasion his conviction that the young members of the CAF and the experienced soldiers who gained their knowledge and experience in the Homeland War will benefit the KFOR operation in Kosovo and the preservation of security and stability. “The Croatian soldier’s uniform is recognised, and they are greatly appreciated and gladly seen in the friendly Republic of Kosovo,” Colonel Perić pointed out. He also added that the contingent’s members will perform all of the tasks assigned to them, both militarily and professionally, while keeping each other safe at all times.

Advisor to the President of the Republic for Defence and Envoy, Ivica Olujić, wished the members a successful completion of the tasks in the KFOR operation and a safe return to the homeland.
First Lieutenant Ivan Soldo, who is the commander of the first platoon of the First Motorised Company, is making his first deployment to the operation. He said he saw the operation as a chance to learn new things and gather experience that he could then impart to allies. Mr. Soldo said, “I am most proud of my family because they have always been my biggest support system during my military service.”
This is the second peacekeeping mission for 2nd Motorised Platoon member and team leader Sergeant Sandra Špoljarić, who sees it as an opportunity to develop new skills and improve old ones: “This is also a new opportunity for me to work in an international environment and exchange experience with other partners and allies.”

Since 16 June 2009, the Croatian Armed Forces have taken part in the KFOR peacekeeping operation in the Republic of Kosovo. The participation of up to 160 members of the Croatian Armed Forces with up to two helicopters, with the possibility of their rotation, was approved based on the July 2008 Croatian Parliamentary Decision by the 7 October 2022 Croatian Parliamentary Decision on the participation of the Croatian Armed Forces in the KFOR operations in Kosovo in 2023 and 2024.

The Croatian Armed Forces have participated in the peace support KFOR operation in the Republic of Kosovo since 16 June 2009. Based on the decision of the Croatian Parliament of July 2008 in accordance with the Decision of the Croatian Parliament of 7 October 2022 on the participation of the Croatian Armed Forces in the KFOR operations in Kosovo in 2023 and 2024, the participation of up to 160 members of the Croatian Armed Forces with up to two helicopters was approved, with the possibility of their rotation.