by croatiaweek
November 16, 2025
in
Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić and United States Ambassador to Croatia, Nicole McGraw (Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
ZAGREB, 16 November 2025 – Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić, and Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, held their first official meeting with the new United States Ambassador to Croatia, Nicole McGraw, at the Ministry of Defence on Friday.
The introductory meeting confirmed the continued strength of Croatian-American defence cooperation.
Discussions centred on the current geopolitical climate, security developments in South-East Europe, ongoing support for Ukraine, and the wider defence partnership between the two countries.
Minister Anušić congratulated Ambassador McGraw on her appointment and welcomed her to Croatia. He emphasised the long-standing strategic relationship between the two nations.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
“The United States is Croatia’s most important strategic partner in defence and security. Cooperation within NATO and the US-Adriatic Charter is key to the stability and security of South-East Europe,” Anušić said.
He also highlighted many years of successful collaboration, including joint military exercises, training programmes, and participation in international missions.
A significant part of the talks focused on the modernisation of Croatia’s Armed Forces.
Minister Anušić outlined ongoing procurement projects, including Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, and HIMARS rocket systems.
It was confirmed that the HIMARS systems will be delivered in 2028.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
The meeting also addressed defence spending.
Minister Anušić noted that Croatia aims to reach NATO guidelines by 2035, targeting a total of 5% of GDP for defence, 3.5% directly for defence and 1.5% for dual-use capabilities.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the Minister stressed Croatia’s continued commitment: “Ukraine, resisting Russian aggression for almost four years, is defending the whole of Europe. Croatia will continue to support Ukraine, as it has done so far.”
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
Anušić also expressed gratitude for the participation of the Minnesota National Guard in the military parade held in Zagreb on 31 July 2025.
Both sides agreed that cooperation between Croatia and the United States remains vital for regional security and for strengthening Croatia’s defence capabilities.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
They expressed a shared desire for continued dialogue and further development of their strategic partnership.