Croatia’s domestically developed combat drones, produced by Osijek-based tech firm Orqa, are gaining international attention for their advanced FPV capabilities and battlefield effectiveness.
Unveiled during the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, these lightweight, carbon-based drones are already in use by elite NATO forces. With rising global demand and full Croatian production, they position Croatia as a potential leader in military drone technology.
A glimpse behind the curtain: Croatia’s small combat drones
The veil of secrecy surrounding Croatia’s small combat drones is gradually being lifted. These drones, as a fully Croatian product, are in fact the stars of the military parade celebrating the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm. Defence Minister Ivan Anušić had previously spoken about them in general terms and even promoted them at NATO meetings. He stated that Croatia could become a European leader in the field, capable of producing up to a million drones annually.
Croatian-made FPV drones take centre stage
Recently, Anušić confirmed that the Croatian Army has begun its own production of FPV (First-Person View) drones, meaning the pilot controls them via a camera mounted on the drone, receiving a real-time video feed from a flight perspective.
“Our technology, our knowledge, our company. 180,000 units produced last year. We can manufacture several million if we strategically pursue this,” said Anušić, clearly proud. He noted that both Croatia and several major global military powers have placed orders. Although he did not disclose which global powers those were, he clarified that these are not classic kamikaze drones.
Return-to-base functionality and global demand
“These are drones that carry out missions and return to base. FPV drones that are currently the best in the world,” the Croatian Defence Minister continued with praise. Behind this Croatian story stands a small company from Osijek, Orqa, which began as a start-up. It was already known that the firm was successful in this field; some of its products are now exported via the state agency responsible for selling weapons and military equipment.
A fully Croatian innovation—No Chinese components
The most important aspect of the entire story is that this is a completely Croatian product. There is nothing Chinese in it. They have their own in-house production of electric motors and cameras. Orqa confirmed to Večernji list that their drones are “already in use by the special forces of the strongest NATO member states.” The Croatian Army has also ordered these drones for its own use in what has been described as a significant procurement. Operators have already undergone training.
Lightweight, versatile and powerful
It has been explained that the drones can be used for reconnaissance as well as kamikaze missions. Weighing less than half a kilogram, they are made of new, strong yet lightweight materials—including carbon fibre. Their range in reconnaissance missions is 30 kilometres, and in combat operations between 5 and 25 kilometres, depending on the payload (i.e., explosives) they carry. The Croatian Army primarily uses them as kamikaze drones, in other words, as lethal weapons.
Custom-made drones for day and night operations
For the Croatian Army, a special drone was developed featuring both daytime and night vision cameras. Furthermore, the drone includes a feature that allows it to jettison its explosive payload if unused, enabling it to return to base—or rather, to its operator.
Combat-tested and rising in value
The small Croatian combat drone has reportedly proven itself in real combat scenarios. It is sophisticated and, understandably, more expensive than those made with Chinese components, with a price ranging from €1,000 to €3,000. However, demand for these drones is surging, and along with that, the financial strength of the once-small Osijek-based company is growing at a remarkable pace.
International recognition and a focus on innovation
Some American investment funds have also invested in the company. Orqa now has branches outside of Croatia. At the military parade in Zagreb, the drones were introduced to both Croatian and international audiences. Observers will closely monitor how they are received by allied armed forces.
What sets this Osijek company apart is its tendency toward innovation. They adapt quickly and are capable of making new technological breakthroughs. They like to stay one step ahead of the rest.
