Croatia has quietly emerged as a major player in drone technology. It plans to produce up to half a million combat drones annually. Defence Minister Ivan Anušić revealed the nation’s growing role in European defence. He highlighted Croatia’s advanced capabilities in drone manufacturing and military innovation.
Defence Minister Anušić announces combat drone production
The general public was quite surprised by the statement from Defence Minister Ivan Anušić. He said that Croatia not only produces small combat drones but could also take a leading role in this sector within the European Union. The minister made the remark on Tuesday in Brussels, following a meeting of NATO defence ministers.
“We are ready to take a leading role in the production of small combat drones. These can be financed through the ReArm Europe plan for the rearmament of Europe,” Anušić said. He added that Croatia could produce half a million of them this year alone.
Ambitious production targets and strategic leadership
“Production would amount to half a million per year. Even this year, we could ramp up output to that level. Naturally, if we officially take on a leading role, that number will increase,” the minister added. He stressed the significance of drones in modern warfare.
Until now, the public knew little, if anything, about this. On a few occasions, when the procurement of large Turkish Bayraktar combat drones was mentioned, the minister stated that Croatia also produces its own drones. This signifies great strides in drone technology. Some are undergoing testing, while others have already entered service, he said.
But clearly, few people were aware that production had progressed to such an extent. Half a million units could be manufactured this year and potentially more in the coming years. Of course, it remains to be seen how other European countries will respond. Every country makes its own decisions about armament and pays for it independently. However, joint procurement under the European rearmament programme can make such acquisitions cheaper. They are supported by favorable loans.
Croatia’s drone industry built on strong tech foundations
Croatia already has a well-developed IT sector. It has been reported several times that a company based in Osijek has produced FPV goggles used to guide drones. These were even used by NATO.
Some other Croatian companies have also made significant strides in mastering the technological processes involved in manufacturing combat unmanned aerial vehicles.
At present, there is virtually no publicly available information about these drones. They are clearly classified as military secrets.
Notably, Croatia produced reconnaissance drones in the 1990s, although these were used for aerial surveillance rather than combat.
Other procurement plans: tanks, radars, and air defence
Minister Anušić also mentioned that Croatia is interested in purchasing radar systems, air defence systems, and tanks through joint procurement.
It is already known that the tanks in question are German Leopards. Regarding air defence systems, drones will play a key role alongside other military equipment. Croatia has procured short-range French Mistral systems and has also ordered the medium-range MICA system from France.
Experts have explained that the MICA is a ground-based medium-range air defence system. It uses a “fire-and-forget” missile. Its range is between 20 and 30 kilometres, the missile weighs 113 kilograms with a 12 kg warhead, and it includes the Thales AD4A radar.
It travels at Mach 3 (over 3000 km/h). No delivery date has been announced, but it may arrive next year.
Looking ahead in European defence cooperation
As for radar systems, Croatia currently has American-made models with a range of 450 kilometres. It is unclear what future purchases might include or from whom. However, drones are likely to be among the essential components.
In any case, it is somewhat encouraging that a country like Croatia is offering its much larger European allies combat drones. These drones have been developed and manufactured entirely on its own.