Croatia strengthens defence with €125 million anti-drone deal

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Croatia has taken a significant step in strengthening its national defence and supporting its domestic defence industry with the signing of a major anti-drone procurement agreement.

On Thursday, 18 December 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and Končar Management Board President Gordan Kolak signed a five-year Framework Agreement at the Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of counter-unmanned aerial systems.

The agreement, valued at €125 million (excluding VAT), launches a multi-phase development project aimed at equipping the Croatian Armed Forces with advanced counter-drone capabilities in response to growing security threats and the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare. Delivery of the systems is planned for 2027.

Four Advanced Counter-Drone Systems

As part of the project, four counter-drone systems will be procured. Two stationary systems will be deployed to protect critical military infrastructure, while two mobile systems will be vehicle-mounted and assigned to a medium infantry brigade.

Minister Anušić described the agreement as direct support for Croatia’s defence industry, domestic companies and Croatian expertise.

“Domestic companies, domestic knowledge and domestic people are involved in the development of this major project, which represents the future of security and modern warfare,” Anušić said.

He confirmed that the systems are proven, high-quality solutions and represent a new generation of protective technology that will soon safeguard Croatia’s critical military infrastructure.

Strong Role for Croatian Industry

The project is led by Croatian company Končar and Poland’s Advanced Protection Systems (APS), with several other Croatian firms also involved. Among them is Osijek-based Orqa, which will supply artificial intelligence components for the system.

Minister Anušić highlighted that drones and counter-drone technologies are currently a priority within Croatia’s defence strategy.

“Alongside the Netherlands and Latvia, Croatia is a leading EU country in the production and distribution of FPV drones,” he said.

Končar: A Major Opportunity for Growth

Končar Management Board President Gordan Kolak welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important opportunity for the development of a technologically advanced, domestically produced defence solution.

“This project shows that Končar is continuously developing its capabilities and building its future through the application of new technologies,” Kolak said.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

He also thanked the Ministry of Defence for its support of Croatian companies, stressing that delivering such projects at home is essential for building references and expanding into international markets.

Končar – Digital d.o.o. will act as system integrator and manufacturer of part of the equipment developed by APS. As a result, part of the production of the SKYctrl counter-drone system will be transferred to Croatia, enabling knowledge transfer, strengthening domestic technical expertise and ensuring long-term maintenance and support capabilities within the country.

Strategic Defence and Security Upgrade

The introduction of counter-drone systems represents a strategic upgrade in Croatia’s national defence capabilities and a boost to the domestic industrial and technological base. This approach supports Croatian research and development capacities while contributing to the long-term security of the Republic of Croatia.