Monitor this situation.

Unsubscribe anytime.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [INTERNATIONAL]

4 clusters · 38 sources · 29 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 25 days ago

Croatia advances military modernization and defense deals

Overview

The Croatian government has moved forward with its military modernization plan, marked by the formalization of several major defense contracts.

Following the approval of the procurement of 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher systems from South Korea, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Hanwha Aerospace. Valued between €435.2 million and €544 million, this deal aims to provide high firepower and rapid reaction capabilities to replace aging Soviet-era GRAD BM-21 and SVLR Vulkan systems. While the older equipment has a range of roughly 20 kilometers, the Chunmoo systems offer strike capabilities from 30 to over 300 kilometers. Deliveries are now expected to begin in 2028 and conclude by 2030. The project will also involve cooperation with the Croatian company Končar for system maintenance and integration with Poland’s WB Group for Topaz command and control systems.

In a related modernization effort, Croatia signed a €33.2 million contract with Thales Group and the local firm Odašiljači i veze (OiV) to upgrade the Croatian Air Force’s combat communication systems. This Ground-to-Air Networks (GAN) project, scheduled from 2026 to 2030, will enhance secure data transmission for Rafale fighter jets as they are elevated to the F4 standard. This upgrade is intended to ensure interoperability with NATO allies through a national network of seven ground radio locations.

During the ‘EU 4 Defence Readiness’ conference in Zadar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić stated that Croatia is strengthening its military capabilities to “restore regional balance.” Anušić cited the intensive decade-long armament of Serbia, including reports of offensive systems, as a primary driver for Croatia's defense posture. He also noted that the Ministry of Defence has signed over €200 million in contracts with domestic firms over the last year, identifying 208 Croatian companies with defense production capabilities.

Entities

Ivan Anušić · Hanwha Aerospace · WB Group · Croatia · Thales Group

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Serbia has been intensively arming its military with serious offensive systems for ten years.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Croatia possesses the Chunmoo long-range missile system as a countermeasure.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Croatian Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth over 200 million euros with domestic companies in the past year.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A mapping of Croatian industry identified 208 companies with defense production capabilities.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia are working to deepen trilateral defense cooperation.

Timeline

25 days ago

[POLITICS] 9 sources
Croatia strengthens defense to restore regional balance
Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić announced military strengthening to counter Serbian armament, highlighting the acquisition of Chunmoo missile systems and increased domestic defense production.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 10 sources
Croatia signs major defense deals for rocket systems and jet communications
Croatia has signed major defense deals, including purchasing 18 South Korean Chunmoo K239 rocket launchers and upgrading its Air Force communication systems for Rafale jets.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
Croatia to acquire 18 South Korean K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers
Croatia is negotiating a €435.2 million deal to purchase 18 South Korean K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers to modernize its artillery and extend strike ranges up to 300 kilometers.
about 2 months ago

[POLITICS] 20 sources
Croatia approves major military upgrade including K239 Chunmoo launchers
Croatia has approved a major defense upgrade, including the purchase of 18 South Korean K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers and the modernization of Rafale fighter jets to the F4 standard.

Sources

072info.com · 24sata.hr · abcportal.info · armadainternational.com · bug.hr · businessam.be · dalmatinskiportal.hr · dnevno.hr · etv.me · eventbrite.co.uk · fr.businessam.be · gazeta10.com · glas-slavonije.hr · gondola.hu · hercegovina.in · hrvatska-danas.com · it-boltwise.de · jutarnji.hr · lat.sputnikportal.rs · lidermedia.hr · makpress.mk · mesazhi.com · morh.hr · n1info.hr · novilist.hr · obris.org · planobrazil.com · poslovni.hr · radio-banovina.hr · shenja.tv · southernwater.co.uk · telegrafi.com · Tportal.hr · vecernji.ba · vijesti.ba · vijesti.hrt.hr · vinkulja.hr · vosveteit.zoznam.sk

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history