HS Produkt VHS-2 is a domestically produced assault rifle that has become the standard issue assault rifle of the Croatian Army, having replaced the Zastava M70 in its entirety.[2]
The Croatian Army selected the FN Minimi Mk3 as the platoon support weapon in 7.62x51 NATO as well as the squad support weapon in 5.56x45 NATO. According to Croatian Defence Report for 2023, army program for purchasing said machine guns in 5.56x45 and 7.62x51 NATO has been completed.[5] The army has also purchased an undisclosed number of Heckler & Koch MG5 and MG4s, believed to be around 20-30 samples of these weapons, used within the CROSOFCOM.[6]
System purchased from Russia and Ukraine in early 1990s, during the Croatian War of Independence. Only a few operational today, mostly for anti-tank team training and familiarization with other launchers relegated to reserve status. To be replaced by FGM-148 Javelin.
Croatia acquired 1,103 TOW-2A, 500 TOW-2 Bunker Buster and 100 TOW-2B missiles, all in the wireless-guided RF version, as part of the M2A2 ODS acquisition.[18]
Initial purchase of 20 launchers, a simulator and 200 missiles to equip 8 Patria CROs. Additional 30 Patria CRO 30L will eventually be acquired.[19][20]
On October 28, 2024, Croatia and Germany begun negotiations for Croatia's acquisition of 50 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. Germany will offset the cost by purchasing 30 M-84 and 30 M-80 from Croatia and transferring them to Ukraine as part of military aid.[21]
In 2022, Croatia agreed to purchase 89 M2A2 ODS Bradleys, which are being upgraded to the M2A2 ODS-SA standard at the Đuro Đaković factory in Slavonski Brod.[24][21]
44 M2A2 ODS being upgraded at this point. 8 to join the Croatian Army by the end of the 2024. After being brought into operational condition, out of a total of 89 Bradleys, 62 of them will be assigned primarily to the Sokolovi Battalion of the Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade. Rest will be used for training purposes and for the source of spare parts.[25]
The main workhorse of the Army is the Patria CRO 8x8, 126 of which are currently in service. In 2023, the Army was approved to order an additional 30 Patria CRO 30L all in the IFV configuration with the 30mm remote weapon station and vehicle launched anti tank guided missiles.[26] The Army still has a requirement for at least 70 additional APCs configured for a number of support roles.
The Armed Forces of Croatia currently operates a total of 126 Patria CRO vehicles. 8 have been equipped with the Elbit UT30MK2 turret, 114 are equipped with 12,7 mm remote controlled weapons station, 2 are used for MEDEVAC and 2 for engineering assignments.[27]
The vehicles were mostly used by the ISAF forces in Afghanistan, but at least 13 newly built units delivered in 2012 were home-based, further 8 additional vehicles delivered in 2015 for a total of 21. A total of 65 M1151s and 20 M1141 vehicles are in service.[28][29]
The initial order was made for 122 M-ATV but additional 40 units were requested and approved by the US Senate. Of 162 M-ATVs received as EDA, 15 went to the Croatian Special Operations Forces Command (CROSOFCOM), 5 to the Support Command (SCOM), 2 to the Military Police Regiment, and 78 entered service with the Croatian Army in 2015, with a further 62 following in 2016 (equipping the Wolves Motorized Battalion of the Mechanized Guards Brigade in Gospić).
Of the 30 MaxxPro vehicles Croatia received as EDA, 21 are for the Croatian Army, 5 joined the CROSOFCOM, and 2 each joined the Support Command and the Military Police Regiment. 6 MaxxPro Recovery Vehicles.
Soviet TMM-3 heavy launch bridge kit mounted on the KRAZ 255B vehicle. In good condition, although currently awaiting replacement by a modern NATO system.[31]
All are mounted on Tatra T813 8x8 trucks. Four systems seen at the parade, with mix of FAP 6x6 and Tatra T813 8x8 trucks being used to transport floating bridge sections. Currently awaiting replacement by a modern NATO system.
The Army short-term plan includes the purchase of short and medium range surface to air missile batteries. Initially, the plan was to look at NASAMS III/ER, Mica VL/NG and IRIS-T SLM as likely contenders however Mica VL/NG is rumored to be the most likely candidate, due to the Croatian Air Force purchase of Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft. The Croatian Army plans to acquire up to four surface to air batteries in a deal worth around €500 million.[34] Long range air defence is yet to be decided on, however with recent purchase of Mistral ER and very likely Mica VL NG, it would not be unusual if Croatia opted for Aster SAMP/T NG long range air defence systems when it becomes available, however any purchase of such air defence system would happen in late 2020s.[35]
Donated by the United States as replacement for a number of disposed Igla-S and Strela-2 missiles, in compliance with a request the United States made in 2012.[36]
It is an improved copy of the Yugoslav M69 mortar. The mortar has an effective range of 5,600 m with the standard projectile, 4,200 m with the illuminating projectile and 4,800 m with the light anti armour projectile. The mortars underwent modifications to meet NATO requirements.[39]
The mortar has an effective range of 9,500 m with the standard projectile, and 5,500 m with the illuminating projectile. The mortars underwent modifications to meet NATO requirements.
Severely depleted stock of artillery systems after large delivery of D-30 RH M94 and M1954 (M-46) howitzers to Ukraine and lack of interoperability of other artillery howitzers as 122mm and 155mm shells are exclusively a NATO standard. On the other hand, current stock is enough to keep Artillery and Missile Regiment well trained. Situation will change once first CAESAR self-propelled howitzer start to supplement the army.
12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 are the main system of its artillery force [41][42][43] with plans to purchase additional 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 and at least 18 CAESAR systems and associated equipment for the Army artillery units. Army has a requirement for at least 3 self-propelled artillery battalions, and a potential order for further 18 CAESAR systems after 2027. Currently, the army is also reliant on nine 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers which will be retired and most likely donated to Ukraine once the first batch of Caesar systems are delivered.
The Panzerhaubitze 2000 battery is part of the Croatian contingent in Battle Group Poland. Future additional purchase of the system is very likely to happen.[44]
Croatian Army inherited large stock of Soviet era rocket systems that saw action during the Croatian War of Independence. Croatia also acquired large a number of Romanian Made APR-40 rocket artillery systems which utilizes 122mm "Grad" ammunition. Smaller number of Yugoslav made M-63 Plamen and M-77 Oganj were captured during the Homeland war and entered service with the Croatian Army.
Croatian modification of the M-77 Oganj 128mm MLRS. The launcher and the fire system have been modified to use BM-21 Grad 122mm rockets. The M-92 Vulkan battery is part of the Croatian contingent in Battle Group Poland.[45][46]
Some 8 systems are in active service while additional 60 are kept in reserve. Actively used as target rockets during anti-air defence drills. Several donated to Ukraine, seen in use with Ukrainian Border Guards units.
With the formation of the Intelligence Regiment in 2019, the Croatian Army has amalgamated all relevant signals, electronic communication and electronic warfare units under one unit, the Intelligence Regiment. The Army has tested a number of domestically produced strike and surveillance drones with the aim of purchasing large quantities of these drones.[47][48] There are several local manufacturers who are capable of making these drones, it is very likely they will play an important role in supplying the Croatian Army with new UAVs. Currently, in service are also a number of DJI Inspire and DJI Mavic's, deployed at the battalion and company level which were recently used in emergency situations in the country caused by natural accidents and disasters.[49]
Initial purchase of 6 systems from Israel in 2019, with the Croatian Army having the requirement for at least 16 systems. Future purchases are very likely.
The Army has purchased a large field hospital from the US for $6.07 million in 2021. The Role 2B military field hospital is designed to provide emergency care in combat theatre of operations. Army has requirement for at least two Role 2B field hospitals which are designed to provide support for standard NATOBrigade size formations or between 4000 and 7000 personnel in a theatre of combat operations. Currently, Army plans to equip one field Role 2B hospital and expand it as per requirements. Army has already purchased a number of medical vehicles and is negotiating a number of helicopters to complement this branch of the Croatian Army.[50]
The Croatian Army relies heavily on the stock of old trucks and supply vehicles. It inherited a vast stock of trucks, various transport and utility vehicles during the Croatian War of Independence and the Battle of the Barracks; at least 250 FAP trucks, 650 TAM trucks and a number of Soviet trucks such as ZiL, Ural or Maz were captured and put into military service. Many of these vehicles are still in service with the Croatian Army, even though some are over 50 years old. Torpedo 4x4 trucks, light 2.5T trucks were built in large quantities. Some 80 samples entered service with the Army in early 1990s. However, with Croatia joining NATO the Croatian Army started looking into acquiring western types of trucks including MAN TG Mill, Iveco 5T Transport Truck and Mercedes trucks among others. However, due to the shortage of funds logistics formations within the Croatian Army are the last to get modern vehicles. In the past decade the Croatian Army started to renew its logistic and tactical truck fleet sporadically with purchases or donations of smaller quantities of new trucks. In the long-term the Croatian Army plans to reduce the number of vehicle types in service down to only three manufactures: MAN, Mercedes and Iveco. Currently over a dozen of different manufactures of vehicle types are in service creating costly maintenance issues.
Large number of these trucks in various configurations still serve in many roles within Croatian Army, they're being replaced by modern models but, due to defence budget cutbacks, these vehicles are likely to remain in service for the foreseeable future.
A large number of these trucks in various configurations still serve in many roles within the Croatian Army, they're being replaced by modern models but, due to defence budget cutbacks, these vehicles are likely to remain in service for the foreseeable future. These vehicles are, in many cases, now over 40 years old; replacement is sought when and where possible.
Croatian Army inherited a large number of FAP 2026 trucks during the Croatian War of Independence and the Battle of the Barracks when the Croatian Army captured over 250~ of these trucks, today only 40~ or so remain in service in various roles and are being replaced by modern western models due to lack of spare parts.
The initial purchase of 27 German Army trucks. In 2015, the Croatian Ministry of Defence bought 10 more trucks in accordance with the 2013 Framework Agreement from the surplus of the Bundeswehr. Since 2016, a number of additional vehicles were purchased, total number exceeds 50 vehicles in service as of 2020.[55][56]
39 Iveco Army trucks purchased in 2004 at inflated price which caused a major scandal resulting in dismissal of the then Defence Minister. 3 of these were EuroTrakker Trucks. These trucks are mostly used in support and logistics role. These trucks are now over 20 years old.
Initial order of 36 vehicles made in 2004 and a subsequent order for additional 80 vehicles was made in 2008 and 2009. Currently around 80 vehicles in service.
Initial order of a half a dozen or so vehicles was made in 2007. Most are used alongside the MAN trucks for the heavy transporter role.[57][58] Currently just over a dozen or so new vehicles were delivered between 2017 and 2020 for total of 32~ vehicles at the end of 2020.
Initial purchase of 4-5 MAN TGMIL trucks was made in 2015, to supplement the current fleet of Iveco heavy equipment transporters and replace older MAN models that were retired. In 2017/2020, Croatian Ministry of Defence bought ~10 additional MAN TGMIL trucks to supplement its current fleet of heavy trucks.[60]
A number of new vehicles delivered in 2019/2021, at least 4 used in the heavy transporter role with the rest being multi-use logistic trucks that come with a modular hook lift system that simplify recovery or transport of large items in the modular flatbed system.[61]
Standard heavy utility vehicle of the Croatian Army, 30+ units ordered in 2010, 2017 and 2020 and all were delivered and are in service. The Croatian Army is looking to get number of new Mercedes-Benz Actros for the heavy transporter role.[62]
Standard utility vehicle of the Croatian Army, 250 units ordered in the 2000s, all delivered and in service. Further deliveries in 2015 and 2017 to replace the oldest vehicles in service.
150 ordered in 2008 and delivered in 2010, half went to other government departments, including the Ministry of the Interior. All are in good serviceable condition. It is the standard utility vehicle in service with the Croatian Army and other governmental agencies of Croatia.
Primarily used by the military police. Many transferred to the Croatian Border Police. Of the 200 ordered in 1998, only 32 remain in service with the armed forces. Some 120 were transferred to civilian use, many ending up with the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service.[63][64]
Many acquired in late 90s and early 2000s, exact number of these vehicles is unknown. A replacement by the modern Mercedes-Benz Actros is currently underway.
Donation by the US. Comes as part of a bigger US donation to the Croatian Army Engineering Regiment alongside a number of other equipment including an entire army field kitchen and elements of a field hospital. Equipment donation is meant to supplement the Croatian UN contingent.[65]
Initial order of a half a dozen or so vehicles was made in 2007. Most are used alongside the FAP and TAM medium trucks for the logistical transport role. To replace older FAP, TAM trucks in service with the Croatian Army.
Due to ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, Croatia has accelerated some defence acquisition plans that were intended for medium to long-term purchases. One of the biggest procurement programs in the short term is acquisition of eight additional UH-60M helicopters valued at $273.8 million, with Croatia paying $134.5 million of the total figure;[68] eight new helicopters should join the Air force by end of 2028.
There is a short-term plan to introduce four medium-range surface-to-air batteries by 2028, MICA VL NG is mentioned as preferred system due to compatibility with introduction of Rafale fighters in to service with Croatian Air Force, but several other options are being looked at as well, Norwegian NASAMS 3 system and IRIS-T SLM. As neighbouring Slovenia purchased two batteries of IRIS-T SLM, Croatia could follow a similar path. Allocated budget for these is estimated at €550–570 million, delivery of medium-range surface-to-air batteries are expected sometime after 2025, but no later than 2030.
Plan to obtain a Medium to Long Range Air Defence System at some point in the next 4 years. Croatian Defense Minister clarified, the procurement of long range air defense and surface to surface rocket systems are priority for incoming government as country lacks adequate air defense cover. Croatian PM also expressed opinion in this regard but also added that priorities are short to medium range systems. Long range systems are very likely to be either French based on Aster SAMP/T system utilizing Aster 30 rockets which provide long range cover of 150–175 km in its latest derivative, or US based MIM-104 Patriot systems that are of similar range but are a more expensive system.[69]
After the breakup of the Yugoslavia, the newly formed Croatia inherited a fleet of M-84 tanks. By 2008, all of them had been modernized to the M-84A4 "Sniper" level and as of 2023, most of them had undergone major repairs and updated communication systems. Compared to the original T-72M, the Croatian M-84A4s have greater firepower due to the modern DBR-84 ballistic computer, which works in conjunction with the all-weather day/night infrared sight of the SCS-84 gunner. At the same time, the level of protection has not changed: during the modernization, the vehicle did not receive any hinged armor or dynamic protection packages. The armor corresponds to the level of the T-72M1/T-72A and as such it is not capable to deal with the requirements of the modern warfare. In regards to the difficulties of the obsolete fleet, defence ministers of Germany and Croatia signed a Letter of Intent, formalizing plans for Croatia to deliver 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, including necessary spare parts and ammunition. Funds provided by Germany in exchange for these vehicles will contribute to Croatia's purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks. With these resources, Croatia intends to procure up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks, a move designed to modernize the Croatian Army's armored units while simultaneously supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.[70] At the recent governmental session, Minister Anušić stated that the Government of the Republic of Croatia is ceding material resources to Ukraine, namely M-84 tanks and M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, together with the corresponding spare parts and ammunition for the total book value of EUR 144,800,000.[71]
Donation of large number of field howitzers to Ukraine has left the Army with only several operational artillery battalions and a depleted stock of 122mm and 130mm ammunition.[72][73][74] There is a plan of replacing the entire stock of Soviet artillery systems by early 2030s, which includes acquisition of at least 36 to 58 wheeled 155mm self-propelled artillery systems with the French Cesar being the most likely contender, additionally, up to 12 additional PzH-2000 systems will be acquired to supplement the existing stock of PzH-2000 SPGs and to equip at least a single complete artillery battalion. Croatia needs to maintain at least three artillery battalions in active service, of which at least one battalion or 18 systems must be tracked armored self-propelled howitzers. Croatia has joined the French acquisition of Caesar artillery systems. Croatia has requirement for at least 54+6 Systems, a joint purchase with the French Army will lead to lower cost of the total purchase and long term logistics costs.[75]
Smaller systems that will be purchased in significant quantities are the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank system with the requirement calling for at least 48 systems per battalion. As there are 7 battalions, Croatia needs roughly 336 systems; however, this is a long-term requirement and not entirely certain whether it will be entirely based on the Javelin system; there might be a mix of systems in play. Croatia agreed to purchase RGW90 systems from Germany; however, the Ministry of Defense plans to phase out current ex-Soviet and ex-Yugoslav systems by the end of this decade, meaning a substantial order of these systems might be made in the following years. Stated requirement is for up to 720 operational systems and significant reserves.
Domestic drone production has been initiated in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine, a number of domestic companies are involved and number of systems have been purchased from various domestic manufacturers. Croatian Army plans to purchase large quantity of domestic drones SPV-MRM-2-Interceptor drones that are currently being tested in Ukraine by the Ukrainian Army. In recent news, the Government gave its consent to the Ministry of Defence on the procurement of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial system.[76]
In regard to the acquisitions of rocket artillery systems, the Government of Croatia has requested to buy eight (8) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 24 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS); 24 M31A2 GMLRS-Unitary High Explosive (HE) Pods with IMPS; 2 M1152 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) with Next Generation SECM (NG SECM); 8 M1152 HMMWVs with Command and Control Communications Shelters; and 36 Defence Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGR). The following non-MDE items will also be included: Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket (LCRRPR) pods; AN/PRC-117G radios; AN/PRC-158 radios; AN/PRC-160 radios; Common Fire Control Systems (CFCS); International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (IFATDS); software; training; resupply vehicles; technical assistance; and other related elements of program and logistic support. Parliamentary Defence Committee unanimously supported the procurement of eight HIMARS missile systems worth almost $290 million which will, according to the Chief of the General Staff bring about a new capability that the Armed forces have not had before, and that is the ability to carry out precise and effective long-range missile strikes". Furthermore, according to the US State Department, the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.[77]
Initial requirement for 30 wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle configured vehicles, requirement for specialised version yet to be decided on, but based on current army battalion formation, additional 65-70 specialised vehicles are needed.
Initial Requirement for 8 systems, otherwise 24 systems. The Parliamentary Committee for Defense unanimously supported the procurement of eight HIMARS missile systems as well as 394 missiles worth almost 290 million dollars. The delivery of the system will be in 2028.[84]
Contract worth €67 million signed in November 2024 and complete package is expected to arrive in Croatia after 9 months. Number of drones confirmed to be 6.[85][86] Expected to enter operational service in late September 2025.[87]
Croatia hopes to replenish its logistics park with new military trucks, MAN HX range are being looked at as best option. requirement for 550 trucks in 6x6, 8x8 and 10x10 configuration. €150-300 million.
S-300PMU-1 - Croatia had acquired the long-range surface-to-air missile system from Ukraine in 1994 and demonstrated some of the system parts on the 1995 military parade held in Zagreb, it is believed that the system was never fully completed and operational although the training of crews was held as late as 1998. Some sources claim that the weapon was subsequently handed-over to the United States or Israel in 2002–2004. However, officials still claim that the system is still stored somewhere in Croatia and the exact fate of the system is to this day classified.
9K38 Igla - since the arrival of Mistral 3 systems, large parts of the anti-aircraft system have been pulled back and are not actively seen to be used by the army.
CITER 155mm L33 Gun - during trainings Artillery and Missile Regiment used exclusively D-30 howitzers, most likely because of interoperability with NATO standard with using 122mm shells, none other towed howitzers seen to be in service in years.
M-84 Nora - none in active service due to NATO interoperability issues.
M1954 (M-46) - none in active service due to NATO interoperability issues.
M56/M101 - none in active service due to NATO interoperability issues.
Ultimax 100 - 5.5×45mm NATO - retired after supplementing Croatian army with new infantry squad machine guns.
Zastava M70 - 7.62×39mm - completely withdrawn from use by the end of 2018, however some 40 000 were left as strategic reserve.[88][89] Out of the remaining stock at least 20 000 were donated to Ukraine in 2022.[90]
FN FAL - 7.62×51mm - 5,000 were stored to be sold off but donated to Ukraine.
M60P/M60SAN - Yugoslav-made APCs, two are in the local army museum.
MT-LB - 2 in local museum, the rest were scrapped and replaced by Patria CROs.
M-47 Patton - 2 in the local army museum and rest are used for target practice.
T-55A - Withdrawal of over 280 units started in 2006 with a dozen or so tanks used for training until late 2009, that is no longer the case due to the shortage of funds and all units have now been withdrawn and are awaiting disposal.
M-63 Plamen - 128mm towed MRL, retired due to lack of ammunition and costly upkeep, no spare parts for the system.
^"Archived copy". www.mycity-military.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^"Archived copy". i49.tinypic.com. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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