Anušić: Negotiations underway for 122 and 155 mm ammunition factory

“Croatia is working intensively on strengthening its defense industry and developing projects for the production of small and large caliber ammunition,” said Defense Minister Ivan Anušić in Osijek on Friday, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure long-term self-sustainability through domestic production and technological development.

“Since the first day of his mandate, we have been working on self-sustainability through our own industry, technology and knowledge. We are currently developing projects for the production of small and large caliber ammunition, and two different companies are involved,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić after presenting the first new low-floor tram in Osijek.

He pointed out that there is already a location and a framework plan for the company responsible for the production of small caliber ammunition, while negotiations are still underway with potential investors for the production of large caliber ammunition, including 122 and 155 millimeter projectiles.

He said that the dimensions of the investment, the number of employees and the planned annual production of millions of pieces of ammunition have already been defined.

Croatia's military budget for defense in line with NATO guidelines

Speaking about the military budget, Minister Anušić emphasized that Croatia has reached the allocation of two percent of GDP for defense this year, in line with NATO guidelines, but that figure will grow.

“NATO is expected to seek an increase to three percent, and probably up to 3.5 percent,” he said, adding that it is realistic for Croatia to reach that level in the next few years.

Development of our own defense industry, cooperation with scientific institutions

Defense Minister Anušić also emphasized that Croatia plans to use European funds to develop its own defense industry, including investments in cyber systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and drones.

“We will not rely only on the purchase of foreign technology, but we will develop our own products. We will monitor the latest technologies, including experiences from the battlefield in Ukraine,” he added.

Anušić also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with domestic companies and scientific institutions, so that Croatia can become more competitive in the field of military industry.

“Cooperation with the academic community is key to the development of innovations in the defense sector. Croatia has knowledge and experts who can contribute to the development of new technologies,” said the Minister of Defense.

M-84 tanks do not use ammunition in accordance with NATO standards, the Leopard 2A8 is the future of the Croatian Armed Forces

Reflecting on the purchase of German Leopard tanks, Minister Anušić explained that this is gradually moving Croatia away from eastern technology, since the M-84 tanks use a caliber that is not in accordance with NATO standards. “The Leopard is currently one of the most modern tanks in the world and will gradually replace the M-84 in the Croatian Armed Forces,” he added.

He announced that in addition to the modernization of the tank forces, the further acquisition of armored vehicles is being considered, as well as the improvement of the Croatian Army's logistical capacities.

“By strengthening capacities in all segments, we ensure that our army remains efficient and ready for all the challenges of modern warfare,” emphasized Defense Minister Anušić.

Source: HRT