Croatia details major military investment package: 18 launchers, Rafale upgrades and new hangars

Croatia is moving ahead with one of its largest military modernization efforts since the end of the Homeland War, according to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. The government has approved a package covering new weapons, modernization and equipment for the Croatian Armed Forces.

The centerpiece is the purchase of 18 South Korean K239 Chunmoo self-propelled multiple rocket launchers, together with supporting equipment and systems. They will replace the older Vulkan and BM-21 Grad systems and give Croatia a longer-range precision and mass-fire capability.

Plenković highlighted the Chunmoo’s ability to use two different types of rockets in different calibers on the same launcher. He said that flexibility would provide strong firepower and a short response time. The system will complement HIMARS, while the procurement process has produced draft contracts with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Electronics.

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We are not investing in defense capabilities to threaten anyone, but to deter every threat.

The government says the broader program includes upgrades for Croatia’s Rafale fighter aircraft and the construction of hangars. The equipment process follows a “Total Package Approach.” The package was presented in the context of what Plenković called the most serious security threats facing the world and Europe in recent decades, and after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine highlighted the value of long-range precision capabilities, modern air defense, intelligence and secure communications.

“We are not investing in defense capabilities to threaten anyone, but to deter every threat, guarantee the security of Croatian citizens, territory and national interests, and thereby contribute to Europe’s collective security and defense,” Plenković said. Defense Minister Ivan Anušić called the effort a historic modernization of the armed forces and a direct investment in citizens’ security and NATO goals. Croatia is also preparing a plan to gradually meet NATO allies’ stated target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defense and security and an additional 1.5% on related investments by 2035.

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The government is carrying out a historic modernization and equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces because it is a direct investment in the security of our citizens and support for NATO goals and capabilities.