Minister Anušić: “Upon completion of modernisation, we will be one of the most modern smaller-sized militaries in the world”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić attended the 35th-anniversary commemoration of the historic Croatian National Guard (ZNG) formation and the establishment of the Croatian Armed Forces and police units. The anniversary was marked by a formal reception at the National and University Library and a concert.

The Ministry of Croatian Veterans organised the commemorative programme titled “35 Years Faithful to the Homeland – Freedom Born from the ZNG!”

In a statement for Nova TV on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the historic formation of the ZNG at the NK Zagreb stadium in Kranjčevićeva Street, Minister Anušić reflected on the creation of the Croatian state.

“Today, everyone takes pride in our shared history and remembers those moments of anxiety and fear of what lay ahead. The times were dark, and the clouds of war loomed over us. We all knew that Croatia, unfortunately, would have to fight for its independence and democracy. We succeeded because of those who were ready to lay down their lives for Croatia and those who did,” Anušić said.

He also recalled the small number of individuals who carried weapons in Kranjčevićeva Street at that time. “We placed all our hopes in them, believing they would defend us and hoping it would be enough, or that they would at least give us hope,” he added.

“Today, the Croatian Armed Forces are undergoing a modernisation process — a historic modernisation, the first of its kind in the past 35 years, and indeed the unique modernisation of the armed forces. Even now, our military is unrecognisable compared to that time. However, in three years, upon the full completion of this modernisation, our military will be one of the most modern smaller militaries, both in the world and in NATO,” he stated.

The minister also touched upon basic military training, expressing his satisfaction with the excellent response from young people: “I am deeply satisfied, as is the entire nation, because 97 per cent of young men stated they would fulfil their duty to their homeland. Out of the first intake of 800 individuals who completed the training, there are now 900, and we will increase it to 1,000 in August,” Anušić said.

He added that 260 conscripts decided to sign a contract with the armed forces and pursue a career within the military.

“That is a significant number. If we maintain this dynamic, not only will we complete the modernisation of our armed forces in three years, but we will also have a fully manned reserve and a fully staffed professional component of the Croatian Armed Forces. It could not be better,” he said.

He particularly praised the young people undergoing training. “The youth are outstanding and display a far greater level of maturity. High expectations were placed upon them, but they absolutely met every expectation and went far beyond what any of us anticipated,” Anušić emphasised.

When asked about the target figure and the ideal scenario, the minister said that a part of the modernisation process requires an increase in the number of our armed forces personnel.

“New tanks, new systems, and unmanned systems will be introduced. This implies that the new units will be formed that have not existed in our armed forces until now, or such systems were previously unavailable. The war in Ukraine has shown something else, and we are adapting accordingly,” he said.
“Our goal is to have approximately 20,000 professional active-duty service members and between 40,000 and 50,000 reserve members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia by 2030,” Minister Anušić added.