Croatia is moving forward with a €1.7 billion defence procurement programme through the European Union SAFE instrument, aimed at strengthening military capabilities and improving strategic resilience. The initiative forms part of wider European efforts to increase defence readiness and reduce dependence on external suppliers amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Croatian officials say the investments will focus on modernising military equipment, upgrading defence infrastructure, and improving operational capabilities of the armed forces.
The programme is also expected to support cooperation with European defence industries and contribute to long-term security integration within the EU framework.
The move reflects Croatia’s increasing role in regional and European security initiatives, alongside ongoing investments in infrastructure, energy security, and strategic industries. Analysts note that defence spending across Europe has accelerated significantly in recent years due to the changing security environment and growing emphasis on collective resilience.
