Croatia meets NATO defence target, modernising army in largest overhaul in 30 years

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić (Photo: NATO)

Croatia has reached NATO’s benchmark of allocating at least 2% of GDP to defence, with spending now standing at 2.1%, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić confirmed following high-level meetings in Brussels.

Anušić took part on 12 February 2026 in the North Atlantic Council (NAC) meeting of NATO defence ministers, as well as sessions of the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Speaking after the meeting, Anušić said Croatia arrived at the first NATO defence ministers’ meeting of the year having fulfilled the Alliance’s key spending objective.

“Croatia has achieved 2.10% of GDP in defence expenditure, reaching the target in 2025,” Anušić stated. “At today’s meeting it was confirmed that all NATO member states have now reached or exceeded the 2% threshold.”

The minister described Croatia as highly active in strengthening its defence capabilities and raising national security standards amid increasingly complex geopolitical conditions.

(Photo: NATO)

The meeting focused on enhancing NATO’s deterrence and defence agenda, improving allied combat capabilities and reinforcing continued support for Ukraine.

Largest Military Modernisation in 30 Years

According to Anušić, the Croatian Armed Forces are currently undergoing their most significant modernisation in three decades.

He highlighted continued efforts to improve the standard of living and working conditions for Croatian soldiers, alongside major equipment upgrades.

“Croatia is in the midst of the largest modernisation of its Armed Forces in the past 30 years,” he said, adding that defence reforms are being implemented systematically and strategically.

Basic Military Training Begins in March

A major development is the introduction of basic military training, with the first intake of conscripts set to enter barracks on 9 March.

The programme will take place in Knin, Slunj and Požega, following the adoption of the necessary legal framework in the Croatian Parliament.

Anušić described the move as a significant step in raising national preparedness and resilience.

(Photo: NATO)

“Many countries have announced the introduction of military training. Some have already implemented it, others are in the process, and some are yet to do so. Croatia has successfully realised this project within a relatively short timeframe,” he said.

The minister also underlined a broader discussion among allies regarding Europe’s future defence readiness and the need for greater reliance on European capabilities, while maintaining strong cooperation with the United States.

He stressed that safeguarding security and stability in South-East Europe must remain a priority, noting the strategic importance of maintaining stable conditions in this part of the continent.