Croatia has announced plans to purchase Bayraktar TB2 drones from Türkiye in a €86 million ($91 million) deal, the Croatian government confirmed on Thursday. This decision comes shortly after a parliamentary committee supported acquiring U.S.-made missile systems, demonstrating Croatia’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities.
The acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles) is approved until 2026, according to a government statement. The deal includes six drones, essential equipment, and specialized training to prepare the Croatian army to “respond effectively to contemporary threats.”
On the same day, Croatia’s parliamentary defense committee approved the purchase of eight HIMARS missile systems from the United States. This acquisition, valued at approximately $290 million, marks a strategic advancement in the country’s artillery missile units. Chief of the General Staff Tihomir Kundid described the acquisition as ushering in “a new era of artillery missile units” for Croatia.
The government also announced plans to purchase up to 50 Leopard tanks from Germany. In a deal structured to support Ukraine, Croatia will send some older tanks and military equipment to Kyiv. Under the memorandum of understanding signed by Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in late October, Zagreb will supply Kyiv with 30 tanks, 30 combat vehicles, ammunition, and equipment. The value of this equipment will be deducted from the total cost of the Leopard 2A8 tanks.
As a European Union and NATO member, Croatia has been making significant advancements in military capabilities. In April, it received six Rafale fighter jets from France, the first batch of a 12-jet order, further solidifying Croatia’s aerial defense.
