Combat Power 25: Croatian Army demonstrates combat effectiveness of new systems for the first time
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
For the first time, the Croatian Army showcased the combat use of its newly acquired Rafale multi-role fighter jets against ground targets.
The exercise also featured Bayraktar unmanned aerial systems, Kiowa Warrior helicopters equipped with Hydra rockets, and FPV drones in combat action.
On the ground, modern armoured vehicles such as Patria 30 mm IFVs, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled howitzers and tanks demonstrated their effectiveness with live ammunition against real targets.
President Zoran Milanović, in his role as Commander-in-Chief, congratulated the troops, praising the flawless execution of the exercise:
“Without people, there is no Croatian Army, and without the Croatian Army, there would be no modern Croatian state,” he said.
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Defence Minister Ivan Anušić also expressed pride in the performance of the Armed Forces, highlighting the historic first use of Rafales and FPV drones in combat action. He underlined the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the military:
“Equipping and modernising our Armed Forces will not stop – it will continue. We are determined to provide our troops with the best Western technology, improve infrastructure and ensure better conditions for our soldiers.”
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
General Tihomir Kundid, Chief of the General Staff, emphasised that the greatest value of Borbena moć 25 was the demonstration of the Army’s readiness, skills and equipment.
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
He described the exercise as “brilliant”, stressing that its main purpose was to test the Armed Forces’ ability to defend the homeland.
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Borbena moć 25 has been conducted from 12 to 19 September across training grounds near Slunj and on the Žirje naval range.
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
The exercise represents the peak of planning and training efforts, confirming Croatia’s capability to conduct joint operations in land, air, sea and cyber domains.
Photo: MORH/ G. Resovac
Photo: HRM
The event was attended by senior state and military officials, including President Milanović, Defence Minister Anušić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Tomo Medved, and parliamentary representatives.
Photo: MNORH/ T. Brandt
Photo: MORH/ G. Resovac
The successful demonstration reaffirmed the high level of training, interoperability and readiness of the Croatian Armed Forces, underscoring that investment in modernisation and new capabilities is central to the nation’s security and deterrence.
