ZAGREB, 26 March (Hina) – Croatia is moving forward with the procurement of new artillery and air defence systems, and continues to equip new aircraft, Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said on Wednesday, also emphasising that Croatia supports Ukraine, but is not in a hurry to join the Coalition of the Willing.
Croatia will sign a contract with the French manufacturer for the procurement of Caesar self-propelled howitzers and a medium-range air defence system. Croatian manufacturers may expect investments from the French Ministry of Defence for the “production of certain components” in the near future, Anušić told Croatian Radio upon his return from a visit to France.
By the end of this year, the complete short-range air defence system (SHORAD) is expected to be delivered, and a contract for the medium-range air defence system should also be signed.
The same applies to the howitzers, with the contract expected to be signed by the end of the year, and delivery as soon as possible, he said.
Anušić also mentioned that Croatia is continuing to modernise and equip its Rafale squadron, which will be completed in April with the arrival of the final, twelfth aircraft.
“We are continuing with pilot training, equipping and modernisation,” the minister emphasised.
Commenting on the upcoming European leaders’ meeting on the war in Ukraine, Anušić said that Ukraine must be supported and that Croatia must be part of the negotiation process and be in that company.
However, he also stated that Croatia “will not rush” into the Coalition of the Willing.
“There is no talk of sending soldiers to engage in combat; this is about peacekeeping forces that would serve to maintain peace. Croatia will not rush in that direction, nor does Croatia intend to send its soldiers. I would not speculate further on this, nor is it for me to say. The decision will be made by the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic, as well as the Croatian Parliament. At this moment, nothing is on the table,” Anušić said.
He added that the Coalition of the Willing will move in a direction that is acceptable to the countries involved and their interests.
