ZAGREB, 5 Nov (Hina) – The development of Croatia’s defence industry is a major opportunity the country must not miss, given its expertise, capabilities, political support and wartime experience, officials said in Zagreb on Wednesday at a conference linking security, the economy and technology.
At the conference, titled “Croatian Defence Industry 2025: European opportunities, dual-use technologies and global security”, Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the sector is now in high demand worldwide due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, opening significant potential for Croatia to develop its economy in this direction.
He noted that although Croatia’s defence industry is not large, it equips the Armed Forces, develops new systems, is expanding and cooperates with partners worldwide. He highlighted leading companies including HS Produkt, Končar, Đuro Đaković, Šestan-Busch and Orqa, as well as cooperation within the Drone Coalition in which Croatia, the Netherlands and Latvia are “leading nations”. He also cited DOK-ING’s export success in South Korea.
Anušić added that the introduction of basic military training early next year would further strengthen Croatia’s defence readiness.
Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar stressed that investment in defence must generate new jobs and support advanced technologies and industrial development, saying Croatia is preparing for the new EU financial framework to better link national industry with European funding and boost growth and security.
Zrinka Ujević, head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, said Europe must accelerate joint projects, mobilise its industrial base and better connect civilian and military sectors to strengthen defence capabilities.
NATO Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Šekerinska, speaking in a video message, warned that Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are working together to reshape the global order, and that NATO countries must speed up the production of tanks, missiles, air defence systems and drones to enhance both security and economic resilience.
