Croatia and Ukraine to Jointly Develop Weapons: Defence Minister Anusic Signs Letter of Intent in Kyiv
Croatia and Ukraine have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly develop and produce weapons, marking a new stage in bilateral defense cooperation. Minister Ivan Anušić said Croatia “understands Ukraine’s struggle” and supports its fight as one for all of Europe.
KYIV — Croatia and Ukraine have agreed to begin cooperation on joint weapons production following the signing of a Letter of Intent between Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anusic and his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal on Monday in Kyiv.
The Croatian Ministry of Defence (MORH) confirmed the signing, describing it as a new stage of strategic cooperation between the two countries’ defense industries. The agreement, part of Ukraine’s “Build with Ukraine” program, aims to strengthen supply chains, accelerate weapons production, and enhance European defense resilience.
During the signing ceremony, Anusic emphasized Croatia’s deep understanding of Ukraine’s struggle.
“Croatia understands what Ukraine is going through — we too have endured a wartime ordeal,” Anusic said. “By your fight and resistance, you are keeping the war away from the borders of the European Union. For that reason, both the EU and Croatia must continue to support Ukraine, because the Ukrainian people are fighting for the whole of Europe.”
The Letter of Intent between the Ministries of Defence of Croatia and Ukraine outlines plans for cooperation and joint projects within their respective defense industries. While the document is non-binding, it serves as a framework for future contracts, technology transfers, and potential co-production of military equipment.
The announcement aligns with Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to establish defense-industrial partnerships with European nations under the Build with Ukraine initiative, through which Kyiv has already signed similar agreements with several EU member states.
According to the official statement, both ministries recognize that “the security of Ukraine is an inseparable part of the security of Europe” and that “building resilient supply chains and mobilizing the defense industry are critical for both participants.”
The cooperation is expected to open opportunities for Croatian defense companies to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and defense modernization, while also deepening Croatia’s role within Europe’s evolving defense ecosystem.
