PHOTOS: Croatian army puts on spectacular Statehood Day show
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
Over 20,000 people witness powerful demonstration by Croatian Armed Forces, including Rafale flyover and dynamic joint military exercises.
The Croatian Armed Forces marked Statehood Day on 30 May with a stunning public display in the capital Zagreb at the Jarun Sports and Recreation Centre. Thousands of citizens of all ages gathered to experience the might and modern capabilities of the Croatian military up close.
The event transformed Jarun into an open-air stage showcasing the professionalism and preparedness of the Croatian Armed Forces, featuring interactive exhibitions, joint operations displays, and flyovers that captured the attention of all generations.
Defence Minister Anušić: “Today, Croatia is strong, equipped and ready”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić, addressed the crowd and extended Statehood Day greetings to all Croatian citizens. He praised the record number of attendees and underlined the importance of public interest in national defence.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
Reflecting on 1991, Anušić emphasised the stark difference between then and now:
“Back then, our army was under-equipped. Today, we invest in capabilities and training—not just for security, but to ensure credible deterrence. If we had the equipment we have today, I’m convinced 1991 would have looked very different.”
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
Anušić also shared a personal memory:
“I was in secondary school 35 years ago and remember the joy and pride of that historic day vividly.”
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
Dramatic Joint Exercise Showcases Land, Air, and Sea Power
The centrepiece of the programme featured a joint exercise involving Special Forces Command, Croatian Army and Air Force units.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
Black Hawk and Kiowa Warrior helicopters hovered above as armoured vehicles like Patria manoeuvred on land, while RIB boats glided across the water—demonstrating seamless coordination between branches.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
Six Rafale Jets Roar Over Jarun
The highlight of the day came with the thunderous flyover of six Rafale multirole fighter jets. Two jets continued towards inland Croatia, another pair flew along the Dalmatian coast, and the final two performed a precision aerial exercise above Jarun, greeting the crowd below.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
These modern aircraft, symbols of Croatia’s military advancement, were met with awe and excitement. Their coordinated routes across the country served as a symbolic gesture of unity, tying the nation together in celebration.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
Interactive Exhibitions and State-of-the-Art Military Equipment
A large-scale display of military equipment drew particular attention, showcasing some of the Armed Forces’ most advanced assets. Visitors viewed up-close examples such as:
• Patria armoured personnel carriers
• MRAP and M-84 tanks
• Bradley infantry vehicles
• Panzer Haubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers
• SVLR 122 rocket launchers (Vulkan and Grad)
• Mistral 3 air defence systems
• Demining robots and satellite tech like RU TAKRAD
• Infantry weapons and precision-guided systems
Family-Friendly Activities and Music Round Out the Day
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
The Croatian Army catered to all age groups with dedicated zones like the HV INFO ZONE for those exploring military careers, and the HV FAN ZONE for younger visitors. Children enjoyed photo ops with soldiers, VR flight simulations, and inflatable obstacle courses.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
To conclude the festive atmosphere, the Croatian Army Jazz Orchestra performed a heartfelt concert, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
(Photo: MORH/ J. Kopi)
