Minister Anušić meets with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Whitaker
The Presence of the International Community, Particularly U.S. Forces, in Southeast Europe Is Crucial for Preserving Peace, Says Anušić
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Ivan Anušić, met today with the United States Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker.
The bilateral meeting and a presentation of modern Croatian Armed Forces equipment were held at the Colonel Marko Živković Barracks in Pleso.
The United States is Croatia’s most important ally in the field of security and defence, as reaffirmed during today’s meeting. Minister Anušić and Ambassador Whitaker discussed the situation in Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and Ukraine, as well as the equipping and modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces in cooperation with the United States. They also addressed NATO’s role in the context of increasingly complex geopolitical relations in Europe and globally.
Minister Anušić highlighted the importance of the United States’ contribution to KFOR, NATO’s peace support operation in Kosovo, particularly regarding the participation of the Croatian contingent, which includes 151 personnel.
“The presence of the international community, and particularly U.S. forces, in Kosovo and Southeast Europe represents a fundamental pillar of security that ensures stability and peace in the region,” Minister Anušić stated.
Minister Anušić underlined that, especially in the current deteriorated security environment, it is essential to maintain a strong NATO. At the same time, European countries must assume greater responsibility for the continent’s security and continue investing in their armed forces. In this context, Croatia met the NATO target in 2025, allocating 2.10 per cent of GDP to defence spending, including as much as 34 per cent for equipment and modernisation. These allocations will gradually increase to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030 and to 3.5 per cent by 2035.
In light of increased defence spending, the Croatian Armed Forces are undergoing a historic modernisation process. The most significant bilateral projects currently being implemented in cooperation with the U.S. government include the procurement of eight HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems and eight Black Hawk helicopters, scheduled for delivery to the Croatian Armed Forces in 2028.
During the visit to the barracks in Pleso, Ambassador Whitaker was presented with a Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft, Black Hawk helicopters, Patria armoured vehicles, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, RIB boats, MRAP vehicles, and Orqa drones. The meeting was also attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, who briefed Ambassador Whitaker on the capabilities of the CAF.
During his visit, Ambassador Whitaker, together with Minister Anušić, also toured the company DOK-ING, where he was presented with the company’s products and capabilities.
