Croatian authorities have decided to modernize the country’s Armed Forces. According to the Vecernji list, old armored vehicles of Russian and Yugoslav production may be transferred to Ukraine. The long-term development plan for the Croatian Armed Forces until 2028 includes purchasing a significant amount of military equipment, such as infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, air defense systems, and self-propelled artillery systems.
In April, the first six of twelve Rafale fighter jets arrived in Croatia, and the squadron will be fully operational within a year. These acquisitions are historic for Croatia, marking the first time the country has invested €1.2 billion in military needs. By 2026, all 62 Bradley M2A2 ODS armored fighting vehicles will be repaired and upgraded at the Đura Đaković plants in cooperation with Bae Systems. The Ministry of Defense also plans to order 30 new Patria armored personnel carriers, bringing these vehicles to 200. The new armored personnel carriers will be equipped with DUOS turrets with 30-mm guns and Israeli-made SPIKE anti-tank missiles.
Croatia plans to strengthen its artillery units. In addition to the existing 14 German PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers of 155 mm caliber, additional units are planned for purchase. The country is also considering mobile artillery on wheels, such as the Swedish Archer or French Caesar, both of 155 mm caliber. The Ministry of Defense is already in talks with potential suppliers, but deliveries are delayed due to the priority of sending weapons to Ukraine. As a result of the modernization of the Croatian army, old Russian and Yugoslav armored vehicles may be transferred to Ukraine.
Croatia actively supports Ukraine in its struggle for independence and territorial integrity. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Croatia has provided comprehensive assistance to Ukraine. Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banožić approved military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine on February 28, 2022. Croatia has offered temporary protection to thousands of Ukrainian refugees, providing housing, medical care, and other necessary services. It has also transferred significant amounts of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine to help the Ukrainian army defend the country.