ZAGREB, November 15, 2019 - Former Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek, at a ceremony in Zagreb on Thursday, was presented with the Croatian Order of Duke Trpimir with Neck Badge and Morning Star for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of relations between the two countries, the Croatian Defence Ministry said in a press release.

The medal was presented on behalf of the President of Croatia and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, by Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, who also cited Kunasek's great contribution to the return of the MiG-21 fighter plane which Croatian pilot Rudolf Perešin had flown from a Yugoslav Air Force base outside the northwestern Bosnian town of Bihać to Klagenfurt, Austria in the early stages of the war in October 1991.

Expressing his gratitude for this honour, Kunašek said that he accepted it on behalf of all the people who had helped and participated in the process of returning the plane to Croatia.

"When Perešin landed the aircraft at Klagenfurt, he showed an attitude and posture that we should show today, and that is that our task is to ensure stability, security and peace in our region. I will always be a friend of Croatia and will always keep this recognition in my heart. Long live Croatia and Austria!" Kunasek said.

The Order of Duke Trpimir with Neck Badge and Morning Star is awarded to Croatian and foreign government ministers and other senior officials for outstanding contribution to the independence, territorial integrity and international reputation of Croatia and the promotion of relations between Croatia and other countries.

More news about relations between Croatia and Austria can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, November 13, 2019 - The European Union and NATO are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary and Croatia has no doubts about NATO's relevance, Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said on Tuesday.

"NATO and the EU have to cooperate. They are not mutually exclusive and we always have to take their complementarity into account. NATO and the Croatian Army are the foundation of security. NATO is the largest, strongest military-political alliance and we have no doubts whatsoever about its relevance," Krstičević told reporters in Brussels when asked to comment on French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement that NATO had experienced "brain death."

Krstičević was attending an informal meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers, the last prior to Croatia taking over the presidency of the Council of the EU.

"Croatia's presidency is a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to present our beautiful country. We are completely prepared for the presidency," Krstičević underscored and listed the topics that Croatia wishes to highlight in the area of defence.

"Those are the continuation and coherence of defence initiatives that have been launched (PESCO, CARD, European Defence Fund and Military Mobility), with emphasis on developing capabilities and strengthening cooperation between the European Union and NATO, the strengthening of the defence industry and the strengthening of the EU's efforts in Southeast Europe with regard to security and defence," said Krstičević.

More news about Croatia and NATO can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, October 31, 2019 - The State Department has approved the sale of two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of 115 million dollars to Croatia, according to information published on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday.

The Croatian government has requested a possible sale of two UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters in standard USG configuration with designated unique equipment and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), says DSCA.

Its press release also specifies elements of equipment.

The total estimated program cost is 115 million dollars.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally. The sale of these UH-60 helicopters to Croatia will significantly increase its capability to provide troop lift, border security, counterterrorism, medical evacuation, search and rescue, re-supply/external lift, and combat support," reads the press release.

"These UH-60 helicopters will allow for interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces in rapid response to a variety of missions and quick positioning of troops with minimal helicopter assets.

Croatia intends to use these defence articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing army architecture in its efforts to provide multi-mission support in the region as well as combat terrorist threats.

Croatia will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces, the US agency says.

The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

More news about relations between Croatia and the United States can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, October 25, 2019 - Croatia has six weeks to come up with a concrete plan on how to increase its defence budget to 2% of GDP by 2024, Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said on Friday in Brussels. "NATO considers that Croatia has to invest more in equipment and the modernisation of its army. The heads of state of NATO member states are set to meet in London in six weeks' time and NATO considers that Croatia has to come with a concrete plan on how to achieve a defence budget of two percent," said Krstičević who attended a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels.

NATO heads of state agreed at a summit in 2014 in Wales that within a period of ten years, i.e. by 2024, member states need to increase their defence spending to at least 2% of their respective GDP with at least 20% of that going to modernisation and equipment. US President Donald Trump in particular is insisting that this be met during his term in office.

Croatia currently allocates between 1.7 and 1.75% of GDP for defence.

Krstičević said that he would pass on NATO's message to the government and the president, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces.

Croatia can increase its defence budget with the procurement of fighter jets.

After the procurement of Israeli jets fell through, a second procedure has been launched and it is being conducted by a interdepartmental commission. The first phase of that process which involved sending an enquiry to countries for a show of interest in selling their planes to Croatia, has been completed and the second phase is for Croatia to seek concrete offers and that is expected to be conducted soon.

"I hope that the interdepartmental commission will soon launch the second phase and request particular countries to send concrete bids which will then be given a deadline of a few months," he added.

Asked whether recently appointed US Defence Secretary Mark Esper was familiar with the fact that Croatia is seeking to procure fighter jets, Krstičević said that Esper was informed of all the activities in relations between the USA and Croatia.

"I informed him of the Croatian Army's development plans and he reiterated that the USA is prepared to continue intensively helping the Croatian Army's development," Krstičević said.

He added that the United States is a key partner and ally to Croatia and the two countries are collaborating in a lot of areas, "with three priority" areas, he concluded.

In late August, the Croatian interdepartmental commission for the procurement of multi-purpose combat aircraft said that it had received five letters of expression of interest to provide the country with new fighter jets and eight letters of expression of interest for second-hand jets.

In early August, the interdepartmental commission, set up by the government on 4 July, sent requests to 26 potential bidders concerning the procurement of multi-purpose combat aircraft, the government's press office recalls.

Since then the commission has considered the proposals made by those bidders who expressed interest in this project.

During the selection procedure, the commission is going to check the validity of all potential bids and to see if they comply with the tactical and technical requirements made by the Croatian Air Force.

Media outlet speculate that the expressions of interest have been submitted by Italy, France, Sweden, the USA, Norway, Denmark and Israel.

More news about defence issues can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, October 25, 2019 - Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krstičević met his US counterpart Mark Esper in Brussels on Thursday ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers, and this was their first meeting.

The two officials confirmed the high level of relations between Croatia and the United States, which is a key ally in defence and security, and underlined the commitment to continuing the successful defence cooperation, the Croatian Defence Ministry said in a press release.

Krstičević said Croatia was a responsible partner and committed ally, and Esper commended its contribution to NATO's peace support missions, activities and operations.

Krstičević informed Esper about plans for the development of the Croatian army and thanked him for US donations and support for its modernisation. Esper said the US was willing to continue supporting the development of the Croatian army's capabilities.

The priorities of the Croatia-US defense cooperation are defined in three areas - building the Croatian army's defense capabilities through joint exercises and training; contributing to international security through participation in NATO's peace support and cooperation operations and missions; and promoting stability in Southeast Europe by cooperating within the US-Adriatic Charter and by jointly assisting NATO aspirants, the ministry said.

The two officials also talked about global and regional security and politics.

On Thursday and Friday, NATO's 29 defense ministers are discussing outlays for defence, participation in NATO's peace support operations and missions, preparedness, and hybrid threats.

More news about relations between Croatia and the United States can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, September 26, 2019 - The Croatian interdepartmental commission for the procurement of multi-purpose combat aircraft said on Wednesday that it had received five letters of expression of interest to provide the country with new fighter jets and eight letters of expression of interest for second-hand jets.

In early August, the interdepartmental commission, set up by the government on 4 July, sent requests to 26 potential bidders concerning the procurement of multi-purpose combat aircraft, the government's press office recalls.

Since then the commission has considered the proposals made by those bidders who expressed interest in this project.

During the selection procedure, the commission is going to check the validity of all potential bids and to see if they comply with the tactical and technical requirements made by the Croatian Air Force.

Media outlet speculate that the expressions of interest have been submitted by Italy, France, Sweden, the USA, Norway, Denmark and Israel.

Israel is offering again its used Barak jets, and France is set to offer its used Mirage 2000 planes or brand new Rafal planes.

According to media reports, Italy has recommended its used Eurofighter jets.

New F-35 and F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft are being offered by the USA, while Sweden has recommended recent versions of Gripen C and D. Norway and Denmark are offering their used F-16 jets.

On 2 September, Robert Kopal, a special adviser and analyst of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, said that the government's aim would be to conclude contracts on the purchase of 12 fourth-generation jet fighters, and that both brand new and used aircraft would be considered as options.

"It is our aim to have the contracts signed until the end of next year," Kopal said then adding that analyses have shown that Croatian needs now 12 combat planes.

Kopal said that one of many parameters included in decision-making would be the date of delivery of the jets which Croatia needed.

In early January, the purchase of the Israeli F-16 Barak fighter jets fell through after Israel admitted that it could not obtain the approval from Washington for the delivery of those aircraft to Croatia.

More news about fighter jet acquisition can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, September 24, 2019 - Croatia has made huge progress in the homeland security system, but needs to develop it further and remove its shortcomings, the Homeland Security Coordinating Committee said at a meeting in Zagreb on Tuesday.

"We have achieved huge progress, but the system must develop in conceptual, legal, organisational, operational, educational and technological terms," said the Committee chair, Defence Minister Damir Krstičević.

"It is only through the homeland security system that we can cope with all threats and risks to contemporary society," Krstičević said, calling on all stakeholders to continue addressing the system's shortcomings and weaknesses to improve its coordination and functioning.

Interior Minister Davor Božinović spoke of illegal migration, saying that the state border was secure despite challenges. Croatia has a key role in preventing secondary movements of seekers of international protection, which have brought into question the European asylum system and resulted in introducing controls on the internal borders of the Schengen area, he added.

The assistant chief of the Border Directorate, Gilio Toić Sintić, said that the greatest migratory pressure was coming from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that there was also increasing pressure on the border between Greece and North Macedonia. "The police departments in Karlovac, Sisak-Moslavina and Lika-Senj counties are under the biggest pressure," he said, adding that there had been as many as 211 percent more attempts to illegally cross the Croatian border in the first eight months of this year than in the same period of 2018.

The national chief of police, Nikola Milina, said: "There are a lot of challenges ahead of us so it is necessary increase the capacity, interoperability and exchange of information between all components of homeland security because the pressure on the state borders will continue to increase."

The Committee also discussed this year's fire season, concluding that all tasks had been successfully carried out because all firefighting units were well prepared, organised and coordinated.

More political news can be found in the dedicated section.

ZAGREB, September 23, 2019 - Ten overhauled Croatian Air Force Mi-171Sh helicopters were presented at a barracks near Zagreb on Monday, the Defence Ministry said in a press release.

A 207 million kuna overhaul contract was signed in 2017 with the Aviation Technical Centre, whose foreign partner was the Russian Helicopters company, which provided technical support.

The helicopters are used for humanitarian aid to civilian institutions in search and rescue operations, emergency medical flights, the transport of organs for transplantation and putting out fires. Since August, two aircraft have been participating in NATO's peace-keeping operation in Kosovo.

Russian Ambassador Anvar Azimov thanked Croatia for the cooperation and said Russia was open for work and assistance in future projects.

Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said he was pleased the overhauled helicopters were already being used and that this proved it had been a quality overhaul.

By September 1, the helicopters performed 1,714 medical flights, transferred 760 patients and took part in 13 search and rescue operations.

Military Chief of Staff General Mirko Šundov said the state was doing its best to modernise and equip the military in complex economic conditions.

More news about the Croatian Army can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, September 21, 2019 - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Damir Krstičević said in Dubrovnik on Friday that the Croatian Navy (HRM) is a basic factor of Croatia's security in the Adriatic and a steward of the country's interests in the Mediterranean.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Navy, Krstičević said that the government had recognised the strategic importance of developing the navy along with the other branches of the armed forces.

"With the aim of securing the necessary conditions to carry out all our duties, we have steadily increased our defence budget," said Krstičević. "We have procured modern equipment and we are strengthening the overall capacity of the Navy," he added.

"In the wake of the Homeland War our navy weakened and that was not a good situation. We are a maritime country and we have to have a navy," the defence minister stressed.

"Last year the government decided to form a Marine company in Ploče as the new HRM centre, whereby we returned the victorious army to Croatia's south, which is one of the most important strategic decisions that is vital to peace and security in this area," said Krstičević.

The Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Mirko Šundov, said that the HRM must be capable of protecting the sovereignty of the state, monitoring and protecting Croatia's rights and interests at sea and additionally strengthening its homeland security.

As part of the ceremony, the 2nd Croatian contingent was welcomed home from the "Sea Guardian" NATO peace support mission in the Mediterranean.

The Croatian Navy was established on the orders of the late president Franjo Tuđman on 12 September 1991. Croatian Navy Day is celebrated on 18 September in memory of a battle near the southern coastal town of Makarska in 887 when the Croatian navy defeated the Doge of Venice who was killed in the battle.

More news about Croatian military can be found in the Politics section.

ZAGREB, September 14, 2019 - The newly-established Marko Babić Leadership Development Centre was opened at the "Josip Jović" barracks in the central town of Udbina, with President and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović presenting diplomas to instructors who underwent the centre's demanding training programme.

The event was also addressed by Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, and the Army Chief-of-Staff, General Mirko Šundov, who both said that the centre was established on the model of the centre for the specialist training of non-commissioned officers "Damir Tomljanovic Gavran", which operated in Šepurine near Zadar from 1994 to 2000 and whose establishment was initiated by General Ante Gotovina.

Underlining the need to modernise the army so that it can cope with current security challenges, Minister Krstičević called on military attaches of the diplomatic corps of NATO member-states to relay to their countries an invitation to send their soldiers to the new centre for training as soon as possible so that it could become an international centre.

He said that the main purpose of the new training centre was to strengthen the competencies of commissioned and non-commissioned Croatian Army officers as highly motivated leaders who understand their soldiers and lead them by setting a personal example.

General Šundov spoke about the necessary competencies and skills to lead a team, group or squad, explaining that group leaders and higher-level commanders would gain unit leadership and command skills in line with modern requirements.

Addressing those attending the opening of the training centre, named after the Homeland War hero and Vukovar defender, President Grabar-Kitarović said that Marko Babić, like Blago Zadro, Predrag Matanović and Damir Tomljanović Gavran, would be role models for Croatian soldiers forever.

Welcoming General Gotovina, who also attended the ceremony, Grabar-Kitarović said the opening of the centre showed, among other things, "that the time has passed when the legacy of the Homeland War was lightly renounced and belittled and when the role of the most deserving individuals from the time when Croatia's independence was established was negated."

"Such unjustified and unjust treatment was also felt by workers and instructors of the Šepurine training centre, and the Croatian Army and state will never again deny the memory of the brightest period of our history," she said.

More news about Croatian Army can be found in the Politics section.