Croatia Military Forces

Strategic Position

Croatia has been a member of NATO since 2009 and the European Union since 2013. Defense policy is directed toward collective security within the North Atlantic Alliance and the maintenance of stability in the Western Balkans. Security concerns center on regional geopolitical tensions, the protection of the Adriatic maritime zone, and the transition of the armed forces to Western technological standards. Croatia maintains defense cooperation agreements with the United States and France, focusing on procurement, training, and interoperability. Strategic priorities include the modernization of heavy armor, the integration of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft, and the establishment of long-range precision strike capabilities.

Military Forces

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (OSRH) comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by a General Staff. Active personnel numbers are approximately 15,000, supplemented by reserve forces. In late 2025, the Croatian government legislated the reintroduction of mandatory military service, effective January 1, 2026. This basic military training lasts two months and is required for male citizens turning 19, with the first medical examinations for recruits commencing in December 2025.

The Croatian Army (HKoV) is in a phase of technological transition. It operates M-84 main battle tanks, though a contract signed in December 2025 finalized the acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks to replace the legacy fleet. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2030. Mechanized units utilize M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Patria AMV armored personnel carriers. Artillery assets include PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. In late 2024 and 2025, the government approved the procurement of M142 HIMARS launchers and CAESAR MK2 howitzers.

The Croatian Air Force (HRZ) operates 12 Rafale F3-R multirole fighters, with the final aircraft delivered in May 2025 to replace the retired MiG-21 fleet. The rotary-wing fleet consists of UH-60M Black Hawk and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters. Additional Black Hawks are scheduled for delivery through 2028. Unmanned capabilities were expanded in 2024 with an order for Bayraktar TB2 systems.

The Croatian Navy (HRM) is primarily tasked with coastal defense and maritime surveillance. It maintains a fleet of RTOP-class missile boats and OOB-class coastal patrol vessels.

Defense Industry

The domestic defense sector is characterized by specialized manufacturing for export markets. HS Produkt produces the VHS-2 bullpup assault rifle and the HS2000 pistol series, which are utilized by the Croatian military and exported to international markets. Đuro Đaković Special Vehicles provides maintenance, modernization, and assembly services for armored platforms, including the Patria AMV and Bradley IFVs. DOK-ING develops and manufactures unmanned ground vehicles for demining, firefighting, and reconnaissance. In March 2025, the government approved a strategic policy to establish domestic production of 122 mm and 155 mm artillery ammunition.

Strategic Trends

Defense spending reached 2.08% of GDP in 2025, aligning with the NATO target. Projections for 2026 indicate a 20% increase in the defense budget compared to the previous year, with spending planned to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027. Modernization efforts focus on the divestment of Soviet and Yugoslav-legacy equipment in favor of NATO-standard platforms. A 2025 update to the Croatian Defense Strategy and the Long-Term Development Plan outlines the integration of conscript intakes and the expansion of air defense and cyber capabilities. Constraints include the logistical and administrative requirements of managing the new conscription model and the long-term costs associated with maintaining advanced Western aviation and armor platforms.