Krstičević asserted that the Croatian Army has become a brand, soldiers strengthen the reputation of the homeland

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Damir Krstičević on Wednesday presented the Annual Defense Report for 2017 in the Croatian Parliament, stating that the Croatian Army has become a brand and that it fully fulfilled its role in the past year.

>>>The Ministry of Defense has received 300 soldiers and sailors into active military service

“The Croatian Army has become a brand in operations and missions, and our members contribute daily to strengthening the reputation of the homeland,” said Minister Krstičević.

He emphasized that the Croatian Armed Forces in 2017 fully fulfilled its role and successfully carried out all missions and tasks defined by the Constitution and law as well as strategic documents.

He also noted that last year the trend of decreasing budget allocations for defense was halted. “Last year was an important turning point that, along with increased allocations for defense for the coming years, accelerates the development of capabilities for successfully executing missions and tasks within the framework of homeland security,” he said.

>>>Krstičević introduces allowances for guard duty, standby, and fieldwork for soldiers

Krstičević also reminded that last year the army was returned to Vukovar and Sinj, and that this year they will be returned to Ploče and Varaždin.

He praised the Parliament’s adoption of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Croatia and the Law on the Homeland Security System, as well as the Government’s decision to procure 12 F-16 C/D Barak fighter jets from Israel, in accordance with the decision of the Defense Council.

The parliamentary clubs supported the report in the discussion, while only the ‘Bridge’ member Miro Bulj was critical, arguing that the report is incomplete as it does not address the personnel who have left the Croatian Armed Forces. He pointed out the lack of personnel with special expertise important for maintaining military technology and similar.

>>>Simulations of elite teams from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense filled Krstičević with pride: We are ready for the EU presidency

He added that the report does not show how much and what kind of weapons and military equipment Croatia has, “although this data is provided by the Ministry of Defense to Serbia and other countries.”

Bulj also warns that large quantities of ammunition have been sold to the Middle East, while the Croatian Armed Forces do not have enough infantry ammunition for exercises. He also adds that there is a chronic shortage of grenades and artillery projectiles for artillery-rocket units, especially those of longer range and special purposes. He criticizes the fact that Croatia does not have a Military Museum, except on paper, while in other countries they serve as a source of pride.