Croatia invests in defence and ammunition production

Croatian army soldier (Photo credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth O. Bryson/Public domain)

Croatia is working on strengthening its defence industry, with a particular focus on developing domestic ammunition production.

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić has outlined plans as part of the wider European initiative to boost military capabilities.

Boosting Domestic Ammunition Production

Following the European Union’s decision to allocate new financial resources for military industry development, each member state will contribute in a specific area.

For Croatia, a key focus will be ammunition production.

“We are developing a project for producing small and large-calibre ammunition. Two different companies are involved. The location for one has already been identified, but I cannot reveal it. Investment plans, workforce estimates, and production targets have been set,” Anušić told N1.

He also mentioned ongoing negotiations with a foreign investor for large-calibre ammunition production, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

Increased Defence Spending

NATO’s previous requirement for member states to allocate 2% of GDP to defence spending is set to rise. Anušić confirmed that Croatia has already met this target but will need to increase spending further.

“We will have to go up to 3.5% in the future, as 2% will no longer be enough. We must invest in knowledge, science, and technologies used in global conflicts. Some of this knowledge comes from Ukraine, and we are adopting it. Our focus will not only be on purchasing ready-made weapons but also on creating and producing our own,” he said.

He also emphasised that Croatia will develop its defence capabilities with the help of EU funds.

Domestic Shipbuilding but No Tanks

Croatia is ready to build corvettes in local shipyards, ensuring the development of its naval industry. However, tank production will not be revived.

“We stopped producing tanks at Đuro Đaković 25 years ago. Up until 2000, there was development, but after that, the process ended. Today, Đuro Đaković no longer produces tanks but maintains heavy armoured weaponry,” Anušić explained.

As a NATO member, Croatia is moving away from Eastern technology and replacing older tanks with German-made Leopard tanks.

“The Leopard is currently the most modern tank in the world, and we are preparing to integrate it into our armed forces,” he concluded.