TSAMTO, August 22. Croatia intends to implement large arms purchases. This is stated in the report of Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banojic to the country's parliament.
The main programs for the acquisition of weapons and military equipment for the Croatian Armed Forces
Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banojic presented the annual defense report for 2020 and 2021 in the country's parliament on April 20, 2023.
The Annual Defense Report is a presentation on the development of defense potential and the structure of defense resources, the implementation of key projects and development priorities.
Thus, the Minister said that a significant step forward for the Republic of Croatia is the achievement in 2021 of NATO targets for defense allocations in the amount of 2% of GDP, 20% of which falls on modernization and equipment. In 2021, the defense budget amounted to about 7.2 billion. kuna ($0.955 billion), and in 2022 – 7.6 billion. kun ($1.008 billion).
In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defense Ministry's expenditures amounted to about 4.9 billion kuna, an increase of 50 million kuna compared to the previous year. In 2023, defense spending will amount to 1.037 billion. euro, which ensures the continuity of the increase in allocations for defense and provides for the continuation of the initiated projects and investments in equipment and modernization.
As for participation in the operations and other activities of NATO, the UN and the EU, the Minister stressed that Croatia has confirmed its commitment to the principles and common values and has made an active contribution to global security.
Speaking about investments in equipping and modernizing the Croatian Armed Forces, the Minister announced the adoption of multi-purpose helicopters. It is planned to purchase additional UH-60 "Black Hawk", the project of equipping Croatia with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles has been started, there are 126 BBM "Patria", the project of modification of 155-mm self-propelled howitzers PzH-2000 has been completed.
Announcing the key promising projects, M. Banozhich highlighted the purchase of the Spike LR long-range ATGM, 30 BBM Patria, the modernization of the FPS-117 radar and HRZ communication system, the purchase of RIB boats.
The purchase of 155-mm shells of extended range will also be carried out, procedures for the purchase of machine guns, sniper rifles and VHS-2 submachine guns will begin. A contract has been signed for the supply of the Mistral-3 short-range air defense system, and a contract has been signed with the Shipyard of Special Facilities (Split) for the construction of a prototype coast guard ship, which involves the supply of up to four vessels.
At the final stage of development is the preparation of a new "Long-term development plan" of the Croatian Armed Forces for the next 12-year period.
Croatia's defense spending
According to the Ministry of Defense of Croatia, the Government of the country at its meeting, which took place on November 14, 2022, adopted the draft state budget for 2023 and the forecast period 2024-2025.
This document provides for a further increase in funding for the Ministry of Defense.
As stated, the budget of the Ministry of Defense for 2023 will be increased by 32.6 million euros (245 million kuna) compared to 2022 and will amount to 1.037 billion. euro. The projected spending figure for 2024 was 1.082 billion. euro, for 2025 – 1.090 billion. euro.
In particular, the defense budget includes financing the purchase of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, multi-purpose combat aircraft, armored vehicles, other combat and non-combat systems and equipment, the most significant of which is the purchase of air defense equipment.
Funds are also allocated for the construction and repair of buildings and infrastructure, training, participation in foreign missions, operations and events, as well as for performing auxiliary tasks in the interests of civil structures and the population in the Republic of Croatia. The Ministry of Defense will continue to invest in personnel, improving the standard of living and conditions of service of soldiers and officers.
Since 2023, changes are planned in the organizational structure of the defense budget. From 2023, funds will be allocated under two budget items: to finance the Ministry of Defense and the University of Defense and Security. Franjo Tujman.
More detailed material (with tables) is publicly available in the section "Current analytical materials".
