Croatia signs $91M drone deal with Türkiye amid military upgrades

Croatia has finalized an 86-million-euro ($91 million) deal to purchase six Bayraktar TB2 drones from Türkiye, the government confirmed on Thursday.

The armed unmanned aerial systems, which are set to be delivered by 2026, will enhance Croatia’s defense capabilities, providing the military with advanced tools to respond to modern threats.

‘Urgent and important’ for Croatia

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ivan Anusic said the procurement of the Bayraktar TB2 is urgent and important.

“The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia expressed the need for priority and urgent procurement of the armed Bayraktar TB2 system, and the company submitted an informative offer and a proposal for the Bayraktar TB2 configuration based on the ‘total package’ model,” Anusic said.

The configuration is based on six aircraft equipped with electro-optical cameras for reconnaissance, including the initial set of weapons, and ensures double radio coverage of the entire territory of Croatia in stationary and mobile version,” added. Anusic.

The deal includes not only the drones but also necessary equipment and expert training, according to the government’s statement. Croatia’s defense upgrades follow a series of military procurements, including a significant purchase of U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems.

On Tuesday, a parliamentary defense committee approved the acquisition of eight HIMARS missile systems, valued at nearly $290 million, a move that will usher in “a new era in artillery missile units,” according to Croatia’s army chief of staff, Tihomir Kundid.

Additionally, the Croatian government announced Thursday that it is preparing to purchase up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany.

This deal includes sending older Croatian tanks and military equipment to Ukraine as part of ongoing support for the war effort, a move in line with Croatia’s commitments as both an EU and NATO member.

In a related defense boost, Croatia received six Rafale fighter jets from France in April, marking the first batch of a 12-jet purchase.