Croatia aims to lead EU in small combat drone production

“Given the capacities and capabilities of our domestic defence industry, Croatia could play a key role in the joint procurement and production of small drones within Europe,” said Anuszić after a meeting with European defence ministers.

Anuszić stated that the Croatian defence industry's current capacities for producing such drones reach 500,000 units annually. With support from the European Union, production could be increased.

“Croatian companies could produce up to 500,000 small drones annually, starting as early as this year. If given the opportunity to lead this segment, that number could even grow,” added Anuszić.

Like many other European countries, Croatia has significantly changed its approach to defence, production, and procurement of weapons. It has already reached 2 percent of GDP in defence spending, and according to plans, by 2030, it will allocate 3 percent of GDP to this purpose.

In recent months, the country's authorities have signed a series of significant arms contracts. As part of these agreements, they are strengthening their army with, among other things, French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, American Black Hawk helicopters, Mistral anti-aircraft systems, and Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. They also want to acquire HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery systems.

In their clashes with Russia, Ukrainians primarily rely on the cheapest FVP (first-person view) drones. These are often commercial models modified for warfare by adding a few kilograms of explosive payloads. Drones produced for military orders have greater capabilities. However, Anuszić did not specify how they compare to the equipment made in Croatia.