Minister Anušić with Croatian Soldiers in Poland
Croatian Soldiers Deployed to NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Poland, Alongside US, Romanian and UK Forces, Contribute to NATO’s Eastern Flank Security
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Ivan Anušić, is visiting Croatian soldiers deployed to NATO Forward Land Forces in Poland at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area. Tomorrow, he will also visit Croatian troops serving in the Croatian contingent in Lithuania.
The 17th Croatian contingent in Poland (HRVCON) consists of 50 members of the Croatian Armed Forces, seven of whom are women.
Ahead of Easter, which Croatian personnel are spending away from their homes, Minister Anušić met with Croatian soldiers and their commander, First Lieutenant Mirko Vladović. They briefed him on the contingent’s tasks and activities in Poland.
“In the battlegroup in Poland, together with US, Romanian and UK forces, our soldiers contribute to collective defence and help make NATO’s eastern flank more secure. It is important for Croatia to be present through its armed forces in NATO, EU and UN missions, as this confirms that we are a reliable partner, while at the same time strengthening our own capabilities and building partnerships. I would like to express my gratitude for your service and for all that you do to uphold the reputation of our country and the Croatian Armed Forces. Wherever Croatian soldiers participate, whether in Poland or elsewhere, they consistently receive the highest commendations. Your service is a source of pride for both you and your families,” Minister Anušić told the Croatian soldiers.
He mentioned that Basic Military Training (BMT) has commenced in Croatia and that the response rate is nearly 100 per cent. “We will soon have new soldiers in our barracks, as I am confident that some conscripts will choose to pursue a career in the Croatian Armed Forces after completing their training. Some of them will follow in your footsteps. I wish you a happy Easter, which you are spending away from your homes, and I urge you to take care of one another and to uphold your reputation and that of the Croatian Armed Forces,” Minister Anušić concluded.
The Commander of the 17th Croatian contingent, First Lieutenant Mirko Vladović, stated that members of the Croatian Armed Forces in Poland are performing their duties conscientiously, responsibly, and to an exceptionally high military standard.
Minister Anušić also met with the Commander of the 15th Brigade, Brigadier General Mirosław Spurek, and the Battlegroup Commander, Colonel John Nimmons.
The battlegroup includes members of the Croatian Armed Forces alongside personnel from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Romania. The 15th Mechanised Brigade of the Polish Armed Forces serves as the host nation, reinforcing the battlegroup in Poland.
This battlegroup is tasked with developing combat readiness, enhancing interoperability through training and exercises, continuously improving operational and defence planning, and integrating with Polish defence plans.
