Anušić: First Bradley infantry fighting vehicles delivered to Croatian Army

The first four Bradley infantry fighting vehicles were delivered to the Croatian Army at the Našice barracks on Tuesday. Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić announced the continuation of the equipping and modernization of the Armed Forces and expressed his belief that Croatia will reach a defense allocation of three percent of GDP.

This is the first part of the delivery of a total of 89 Bradley combat vehicles, which are the subject of a donation from the United States government.

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia will take over four more vehicles by the end of January, and the delivery of the remaining ones will be carried out gradually, during this year and 2026.

After the handover of the first combat vehicles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić pointed out that Croatia reached the amount of two percent of GDP in defense allocations this year, which is an obligation we have undertaken as a NATO member.

He emphasized that the Government of the Republic of Croatia will continue to create better conditions for members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia and the system as a whole.

He also pointed out that it was precisely the cooperation between the Croatian Government, the US Embassy and the Ministry of Defense that led to the procurement of Bradley vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters and the HIMARS artillery-missile system, i.e. everything that needs to be enabled for our Armed Forces to be a modern, capable and strong armed force, a member of NATO.

“With all these procurements, Croatia reaches two percent of GDP in defense spending. Of this two percent, a minimum of 20 percent of investment in the modernization of the Armed Forces is required, and Croatia has reached 29 percent,” explained Minister Anušić.

“It is crucial that we continue to cooperate with NATO and our allies. We have big things ahead of us and big procurements for the Croatian Armed Forces so that in the near future we can, I hope, reach three percent of GDP for equipping and modernizing the Croatian Armed Forces,” concluded Minister Anušić.

Croatia strengthens both its own defense capabilities and the collective strength of NATO

US Ambassador to Croatia Nathalie Rayes said that with these Bradley fighting vehicles, Croatia is strengthening not only its own defense capabilities, but also the collective strength of NATO.

“This moment is a powerful symbol of the growing friendship and cooperation between the Croatian and American people,” added Ambassador Rayes.

She emphasized that last year we witnessed great progress in defense cooperation, as Croatia acquired "Black Hawk" helicopters, the "HIMARS" artillery-missile system, and now the "Bradley" combat vehicles, which marks a new era in the strategic alliance.

“I welcome Croatia's efforts to reach NATO's commitment to allocate two percent of GDP to defense. This is a key achievement that classifies Croatia as a reliable member of NATO, and we should continue to build cooperation and friendship, so that together we are stronger, safer, and better prepared to face the challenges of the future,” said US Ambassador Rayes.

The introduction of Bradley vehicles into operational use significantly increases the firepower of the Croatian Army, and at the same time fulfills the obligations undertaken as part of achieving NATO's capability goals.

The arrival of Bradleys in the Republic of Croatia testifies to the successful dynamics of the implementation of the most important projects for equipping and modernizing the Croatian Army, and at the same time confirms the strength of the strategic partnership between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America.

Contract with the USA

The Bradley M2A2 ODS infantry vehicles are the subject of a donation from the United States government, with which a Contract was signed at the end of January 2022.

The financial value of the Contract is USD 196.4 million excluding VAT, of which USD 51.2 million is a donation from the USA, and USD 145.2 million is paid by the Ministry of Defense in the period from 2022 to 2027.

In addition to the vehicles, the necessary training equipment, tools, and an initial stock of spare parts and ammunition were also purchased.

The restoration of "Bradley" vehicles and their restoration to operational readiness is being carried out by the company "Đuro Đaković special vehicles from Slavonski Brod", which currently has 44 such vehicles.

Source: HRT