Minister Anušić presented the Annual Defence Report for 2024 in the Croatian Parliament

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić presented today, 3 June 2025, to the members of the Croatian Parliament the Annual Defence Report for 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Act.

According to the minister, the annual report acts as a civilian oversight mechanism that gives the public and Parliament insight into the activities of the Ministry of Defence and the CAF. It also displays the development of defence capabilities, resources, and key efforts.

In this context, he gave members of Parliament an overview of the major initiatives and projects carried out by the Croatian military during the last 12 months.

Defence budget increase

The 2024 defence budget increased by 22.2% over the previous year, while the 2025 budget grew by 18.2% over 2024. In this regard, Croatia maintained its upward trajectory in defence spending and met NATO’s guideline to allocate at least 2% of GDP to defence by the beginning of 2025, according to Anušić. Among other things, he highlighted Croatia’s commitment to meeting its obligations on defence modernisation, equipment, and investment.

The handover of Rafale combat aircraft, contracts for eight additional Black Hawk helicopters, FPS-117 radar systems, and six Bayraktar drones are just a few of the major projects that have been able to continue because of the increased defence budget, he said. Along with the purchased patrol boats, enhanced mine countermeasure capabilities, and the delivery of the Umag coastal patrol ship, Anušić also mentioned the modernisation of Bradley fighting vehicles and Patria armoured vehicles, the introduction of Very Short-Range Air Defence, and the Role 2B field hospital.

Providing for the Croatian soldier who is the centre of the defence system

The minister emphasised that substantial investments were made in 2024 to enhance the living and working circumstances of CAF members, including the building and refurbishment of infrastructure.

The Croatian government and MoD have adopted a series of measures to improve the status of the military profession under the motto of “Caring for the Croatian soldier as the centre of the defence system.” For the first time since 2008, the coefficients used to determine active 2ilitary personnel’s wages have been raised by almost 30% as part of the salary reform. “Remuneration for housing, guard duty, on-call duty and fieldwork has been increased by around 50 per cent; daily allowances for international missions by 20 per cent; scholarships for cadets by 50 per cent; scholarships for high school students have been introduced, and the allowance for conscripts has also been increased,” Anušić said, emphasising that in the coming period, special attention will be paid to improving the status and material rights of all CAF members, who form the foundation of the defence system.

Increased interest in voluntary military training and active military service

The minister said that 656 conscripts successfully completed the training programme in 2024, a 13% increase over 2023, and that interest in voluntary military training has grown. “We also have a trend of growing interest in active military service,” he added.

Building international peace and stability

“The Republic of Croatia, as a credible member of NATO and the European Union, has significantly contributed to efforts to support Ukraine, strengthen deterrence and defence capabilities, improve the defence industry, and develop and implement measures aimed at ensuring and building international peace and stability by participating in peace support operations, missions and activities abroad,” said the minister.

Previously, the Croatian Parliament’s Defence Committee endorsed the Annual Defence Report. In compliance with the terms of the Defence Act, the Government of the Republic of Croatia delivers this paper to the Croatian Parliament as a legislative requirement, offering insight into the state and defence-related activities.