On June 17, 2024, during the EUROSATORY exhibition in Paris, the Republic of Croatia signed a significant Framework Agreement with France to procure 155 mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. This agreement marks a collaborative step forward in enhancing Croatia’s defense capabilities.
The agreement was signed by a delegation from the Croatian Ministry of Defense, led by Ivica Grebenar, Director of the Directorate for Material Resources. This strategic partnership allows Croatia to participate in a program managed by the French Armaments Agency (Direction générale de l’armement – DGA), which oversees procurement not only for France but also for other interested nations.
The Framework Agreement, known as the Framework Arrangement (FA), establishes the legal framework and cooperation methods for the procurement process. Although the FA itself is non-binding and does not commit any country to purchase, it sets the stage for potential procurement upon the signing of an Acquisition Order. This order would authorize France to carry out procurement on behalf of Croatia.
Financing for each participating country will be sourced from their national budgets, with additional support from European Union co-financing funds. France and its partners aim to secure funding through the EU’s EDIRPA (European Defense Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act) program, which could cover 10% to 15% of the total joint procurement costs.