by croatiaweek
May 14, 2026
in
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
The Croatian Government has adopted a decision authorising the signing of a loan agreement under the European “Security Action for Europe” (SAFE) instrument, while also approving a report on the implementation of special fire protection measures during the 2025 wildfire season.
The decisions were adopted at the 169th session of the Government of the Republic of Croatia held on Thursday.
Under the SAFE instrument, EU member states will receive loans for priority, significant and urgent defence investments through joint procurement mechanisms.
According to Croatia’s National Defence Investment Plan, which was submitted to the European Commission in line with a previous government conclusion, several major procurement projects are planned through SAFE financing.
The planned acquisitions include Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks worth €1.14 billion, Caesar 155 mm self-propelled howitzers valued at €301.6 million, and Tatra heavy-duty military trucks in 6×6 and 8×8 configurations worth €211.7 million.
An additional two joint procurement projects involving ammunition and other ordnance are estimated at around €46 million in total.
Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the procurements are important for the continued modernisation and equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces.
“The Government and the Ministry of Defence remain firmly committed to further improving and modernising the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces, as this is a direct investment in the security of our citizens and support for NATO capability targets,” Anušić said.
The government session also included the adoption of a report on the implementation of special fire protection measures of interest to Croatia during 2025.
According to the report, the Croatian Firefighting Association submitted 196 requests last year for the engagement of the Croatian Armed Forces. Of those, 195 related to the deployment of air force assets and one involved the Croatian Navy. The total number of requests represented a 19 per cent decrease compared with 2024.
Anušić said aerial firefighting forces were engaged in extinguishing 95 fires during the year, an increase of 4.45 per cent compared with the previous year.
A team operating unmanned aerial systems was also deployed 19 times for wildfire reconnaissance missions.
Croatia additionally provided international assistance through transitional rescEU capacities, with firefighting aircraft deployed abroad on seven occasions.
“All tasks related to wildfire protection were carried out in accordance with decisions and the operational plan, in cooperation with the Croatian Firefighting Association and other competent state authorities,” Anušić said.
He added that the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces are continuing all necessary preparations ahead of this year’s wildfire season.