Strengthening Defense Ties: Croatia and Turkey
**Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić has announced plans to enhance collaborations in the defense industry with Turkey.** Anušić’s remarks came during an official visit to Turkey, where he was accompanied by General Tihomir Kundid, the Croatian Chief of General Staff. Their discussions in Ankara with National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler revolved around developing stronger ties between the two nations’ defense sectors.
During the visit, Anušić toured two prominent Turkish defense companies, MKE and ASELSAN. ASELSAN’s General Manager, Ahmet Akyol, expressed pride in hosting the Croatian delegation, emphasizing that ASELSAN’s advanced systems play a crucial role in modernizing the Croatian Armed Forces and bolstering the defense industry.
Commitment to Modernization and Cooperation
Following their meetings, Anušić reiterated Croatia’s commitment to elevating defense collaboration with Turkey. He stated, “We discussed strengthening cooperation between Croatian and Turkish defense industry companies. Turkey’s investments and knowledge sharing can significantly contribute to the modernization of the Croatian Army and the development of our domestic defense industry.” This statement highlights the mutual benefits envisioned in this partnership.
Anušić also addressed Croatia’s specific defense needs, noting the importance of intensifying their collaboration. He remarked, “At a time when security conditions are deteriorating, the modernization process of the Croatian army continues. In this process, we welcome investments from Turkey to strengthen our defense industry.” This sentiment reflects the urgency of enhancing defense capabilities in a challenging geopolitical landscape.
Geopolitical Context and Strategic Alliances
Emphasizing Croatia’s strategic position in Southeast Europe, Anušić acknowledged the necessity of reinforcing alliances amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. He pointed out, “Croatia’s proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo necessitates deepening our cooperation, considering the security dynamics in the region.” This assertion underscores the importance of regional stability and collaborative defense efforts.
Furthermore, Anušić highlighted ongoing projects with Turkish defense companies, including the procurement of six Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). He also mentioned the integration of ASELSAN’s Protector weapon systems into the Croatian Naval Forces’ coastal patrol vessels, marking significant strides in enhancing Croatia’s defense capabilities.
