Croatia’s Defence Minister Ivan Anušić has said the country is currently undergoing the “first and only modernisation in the history of the Croatian Armed Forces,” with ambitious plans to transform the military by the end of the decade.

Anušić said he believes that by 2030 the Croatian Army could become “one of the strongest small armies in Europe, and even the world,” equipped with some of the most advanced weapons systems and military technology available.

The large-scale modernisation programme will cover all branches of the armed forces, including the Croatian Navy, Army and Air Force.

Among the key defence projects mentioned by the minister are the acquisition of a medium-range air defence system, two naval corvettes, additional Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, upgrades to Croatia’s Dassault Rafale fighter jets, new radar systems and anti-drone protection technology.

Anušić also highlighted the growing role of Croatia’s domestic defence industry, particularly in the development of unmanned systems and military technology.

“I believe that by 2030 we will have fully completed deliveries of tanks, howitzers, Black Hawks, HIMARS systems and everything else that has been announced,” he stated.

The minister also addressed plans to purchase new naval corvettes for the Croatian Navy, stressing that military procurement decisions are made through a complex system of expert analysis and procedures rather than by individuals alone.

According to Anušić, key criteria include the quality of the systems, delivery speed, cost and the possibility of involving Croatian industry in production and development. He specifically mentioned Končar as one of the companies expected to participate in the process.

Discussing ongoing disputes surrounding coastal patrol ships and the shipbuilding company Brodosplit, the minister said the Ministry of Defence had won its legal battle and returned the vessels to state ownership.

He added that construction of the remaining ships would continue after they are transferred to another shipyard, with the vessels currently between 20 and 40 percent complete.

The announcement comes amid growing defence spending and military modernisation efforts across Europe in response to heightened geopolitical tensions and security concerns.