International Security and Defense Fair opened in Osijek

The first international security and defense fair "DEFCROS" was opened on Thursday in Osijek, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić pointed out that defense and security are an investment in the future, and by no means a waste of money.

Opening the two-day fair, Defense Minister Ivan Anušić emphasized that in the 1990s, security and peace were devastated by the Serbian aggression against Croatia in 1991, and that is why, he added, "we improvised and defended ourselves as best we could and knew, with what we had." He pointed out that today we have a situation that is changing not only at the level of Croatia and Europe, but also of the whole world, because the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East continue, and "in the neighborhood they are starting to send the messages we heard in the 90s".

“We are all becoming aware that peace and security do not come by themselves, and that this is not taken for granted, but that we must personally take care of it and think about how to defend Croatia. When you talk about defense, everyone gets the impression that we are going to some kind of war, and there won't be a war because we will be strong enough and ready so that every thought about what happened in 1991 will no longer cross anyone's mind," said Defense Minister Anušić.

For this reason, he added, we are working on strengthening and modernizing the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, because "in the event of a threat, each country usually remains alone, which was proven in 1991 by the example of Croatia." “We must be aware of our responsibility for the future of Croatia, that's why defense and security are an investment in the future, and by no means a waste of money. If we are safe and strong, we will have a strong economy and demographics,” Defense Minister Anušić emphasized at the opening of the "DEFCROS" international security and defense fair.

The Deputy Speaker of Croatian Parliament and Vukovar Mayor Ivan Penava assessed that this fair is an example of cooperation between a private initiative and the state sector. “Security and defense are the most important priority of any society, especially in today's turbulent times,” said Penava. The director of the company "Sky Fort Systems", which is the organizer of the "DEFCROS" fair, Kristijan Ilovača emphasized that in challenging times, a dedicated military industry must be developed, and therefore such fairs are necessary.

The fair brings together domestic and foreign private companies

The "DEFCROS" fair brings together domestic and foreign private companies from the military industry and umbrella state institutions from the security and defense sector. Also, the fair brings together international experts, decision-makers and entrepreneurs from the defense and security sector, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and exchanging knowledge and experience.

As part of the fair, members of the Croatian Army will show interested visitors the "Black Hawk" and "Kiowa Warrior" helicopters, "Patria" armored combat vehicles, M84 tank, MRAP and MAX PRO vehicles, the new "Mistral" anti-armor air system and other combat and non-combat equipment from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.

At the fair, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about military service and career opportunities in the Croatian Army and get all the necessary information about voluntary military training and study programs at the Croatian Military Academy.

Source: HRT