Croatia Advances €1.7 Billion Defense Procurement Plan Under EU SAFE Framework
Croatia has submitted a proposal for approximately €1.7 billion in defense procurement projects under the European Union’s SAFE financing instrument. The package includes air defense systems, HIMARS rocket launchers, Leopard 2A8 tanks, and additional CAESAR artillery systems.
Croatia is moving ahead with a major defense modernization package valued at around €1.7 billion through the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing mechanism.
According to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the proposal submitted to the European Commission includes procurement projects covering long-range artillery, air defense, armored vehicles, and anti-tank capabilities. The initiative forms part of Croatia’s broader military modernization program aligned with NATO capability targets and EU defense industrial priorities.
Among the planned acquisitions are M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, and additional French-made CAESAR self-propelled artillery systems. Croatian officials also confirmed plans for new short- and medium-range air defense systems, anti-tank missile capabilities, and investments in unmanned aerial systems.
The SAFE instrument was introduced by the European Union to support joint procurement and strengthen defense readiness across member states. The mechanism is designed to facilitate long-term financing for defense acquisitions while supporting the expansion of Europe’s defense-industrial base.
Croatia’s proposal follows a series of ongoing modernization efforts by the Croatian Armed Forces, including the introduction of Rafale multirole fighter aircraft and investments in armored vehicle fleets and artillery systems.
Officials indicated that participation in the SAFE mechanism could improve financing conditions and accelerate procurement timelines for several high-value defense projects. The Croatian government also stated that cooperation with European defense manufacturers remains an important element of the program.
The planned acquisitions would significantly expand the Croatian military’s long-range fires, armored maneuver, and integrated air defense capabilities. Several of the systems under consideration are already widely used across NATO member states, which could support interoperability and logistics integration within alliance structures.
The European Commission is expected to review submitted proposals from participating member states as the SAFE program moves into its implementation phase.
