Croatia aims to lead EU with massive drone production boost

“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 defense ministers.

Anuszić stated that the current capacities of the Croatian defense industry for producing such drones reach 500,000 units annually. With support from the European Union, this 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,” Anuszić added.

Croatia, like many other European countries, has significantly changed its approach to defense, production, and procurement of weapons. It has already reached the level of 2 percent of GDP in defense spending, and according to plans, by 2030 it will allocate 3 percent of GDP for 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 military with, among others, French Dassault Rafale fighter jets and American Black Hawk helicopters, Mistral anti-aircraft systems, and Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. They are also interested in acquiring HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery systems.

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