Croatia to get state-of-the-art anti-drone defence system to protect critical infrastructure

Croatia will soon enhance its national security with the introduction of a state-of-the-art anti-drone defence system, aimed at protecting the country’s critical infrastructure.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić, announced the acquisition during meetings of NATO Defence Ministers, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, and the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence Ministers format) held in Brussels on Tuesday, 15 October 2025.

The talks at NATO headquarters focused on strengthening deterrence and defence, boosting the defence industry, continuing support for Ukraine, and improving air and drone defence capabilities across member states. The discussions come amid a rise in drone incursions into NATO airspace in recent months.

“We discussed the war in Ukraine and the continued support for Ukraine in defending itself from Russian aggression. Another major topic was anti-drone protection and safeguarding NATO airspace, given the frequent intrusions of Russian drones. Within NATO, coalitions are being formed and comprehensive systems developed to defend our airspace,” said Minister Anušić.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić (Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

He added that Croatia will sign a contract by the end of this year with a domestic company for the delivery and deployment of an anti-drone system valued at €115 million.

The new system will include an operations centre, radar systems, drone interceptors, and 30mm anti-drone cannons, forming part of Croatia’s broader efforts to bolster its national and NATO defence capabilities.

Croatian Defence Industry Expands Exports

On the sidelines of the Brussels meetings, Minister Anušić also attended the signing of a multi-year contract for the supply of specialised military fabrics to the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic.

The agreement was signed by Goran Basarac, CEO of the state-owned company Agencija ALAN d.o.o., and Martin Čatloš, Director of the Slovak Defence Ministry’s Armaments Directorate.

The deal, worth over €30 million, covers the delivery of approximately two million metres of high-quality military fabric. The Croatian companies Čateks and Galeb will produce the material, with Agencija ALAN serving as the main contractor.

“This contract is an excellent example of how Croatian companies can successfully supply products, expertise and technology to the armed forces of other countries,” said Minister Anušić, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to promote domestic defence production and exports to NATO markets.

Basarac expressed satisfaction with the agreement, noting that Croatian defence manufacturers have proven their ability to produce high-quality, internationally competitive products.

Čateks CEO Matija Bilandžija added that the company produces some of the most advanced technical fabrics used for military uniforms and thanked both Agencija ALAN and the Ministry of Defence for their continued support of the Croatian defence industry.

A Step Forward for Croatia’s Defence and Industry

The announcements mark another important step in modernising Croatia’s defence systems while also boosting the country’s industrial and export potential.