Croatian defense minister visits Norway, discusses NATO cooperation and European security

Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Tihomir Kundid are on an official visit to Norway, where Anušić met with his Norwegian counterpart, Defense Minister Tore Sandvik, in Oslo. 

The visit also included a tour of the Norwegian Defense Industry Research Center.

Speaking after the meeting, Anušić highlighted shared interests between the two NATO allies, particularly in maritime defense.

“Norway, like Croatia, is a maritime nation. The way they have organized the defense of their maritime territory is very interesting and could be applied to Croatia,” Anušić said. “What we can offer is our experience from the Homeland War and products developed by our defense industry, which Norway has shown interest in.”

Sandvik described the talks as an exchange of regional security assessments.

“We are close allies within NATO,” Sandvik said. “We briefed the Croatian minister on the security situation in the north, and in return received a valuable briefing on developments in the Western Balkans.”

Asked about potential areas of defense cooperation, Sandvik said discussions are ongoing, particularly as European countries increase military spending.

“Europe is stepping up its defense efforts,” he said. “We need to look at how we can integrate, build industrial capacity, and share solutions—so we don’t just spend more, but spend smarter.”

Sandvik also addressed questions about Arctic security and recent U.S. interest in Greenland, emphasizing Norway’s long-standing focus on the region.

“As polar ice melts, we will see more commercial traffic and increased strategic competition,” he said. “Russia is expanding its capabilities, especially underwater, with submarines and its nuclear arsenal on the Kola Peninsula. Norway has been advocating for a stronger NATO focus on the Arctic for years.”

As part of its defense modernization, Norway has purchased U.S.-made military aircraft and, like Croatia, is in the process of acquiring German-made Leopard tanks.