However, the last generation of 2007 servicemen was also absolved of compulsory service by an act from then Minister of Defence Berislav Rončević. ==Budget== The Croatian military budget for the past 6–7 years was kept below 2% of GDP, a vast difference from the 1990s when defence expenditure represented a major stake in Croatian budgetary expenditure due to the Croatian War of Independence.
For example, 1995 Croatian defence budget stood at 12.4 billion Croatian Kuna or just over 10% of GDP, which was also the highest defence expenditure rate ever.
This downsizing of the armed forces has allowed for more funds to be allocated to modernisation over the past few years with an average of 1.6 billion kuna spent on modernisation, infrastructure and construction of new facilities. A $3 billion modernisation plan was proposed by the then Prime Minister Ivica Račan of the SDP led government in 2003, with planned modernisation starting in 2006 and ending in 2015.
This downsizing of the armed forces has allowed for more funds to be allocated to modernisation over the past few years with an average of 1.6 billion kuna spent on modernisation, infrastructure and construction of new facilities. A $3 billion modernisation plan was proposed by the then Prime Minister Ivica Račan of the SDP led government in 2003, with planned modernisation starting in 2006 and ending in 2015.
However it has been delayed in part due to the subsequent economic recession, but also due to serious corruption that has cost the Croatian MOD several billion kuna since 2006.
However, the last generation of 2007 servicemen was also absolved of compulsory service by an act from then Minister of Defence Berislav Rončević. ==Budget== The Croatian military budget for the past 6–7 years was kept below 2% of GDP, a vast difference from the 1990s when defence expenditure represented a major stake in Croatian budgetary expenditure due to the Croatian War of Independence.
Male citizens are now no longer subject to compulsory military service since January 1, 2008.
Croatia granted €5.75 billion in export licenses in 2016 and 2017; however, only a fraction of this sum has materialised in actual arms exports. ==International cooperation== On April 1, 2009 Croatia joined NATO and on July 1, 2013 it became the 28th member of the European Union.
In 2012, Croatia managed to export nearly €120 million.
Nevertheless, these arms played a crucial role in some significant rebel gains during 2012.
As a result of these arms sales into this volatile region the Croatian government ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Croatian UN Golan Heights contingent to avoid their being targeted in retaliation. In 2013 Croatia exported €143 million worth of arms, however it is not clear if this also includes $36.5 million worth of arms Croatia exported to Jordan for Syrian rebels.
Croatia was the top supplier of arms to Syrian rebels in 2013, but much of it through illicit channels without Croatian government approval or knowledge.
Croatia granted €5.75 billion in export licenses in 2016 and 2017; however, only a fraction of this sum has materialised in actual arms exports. ==International cooperation== On April 1, 2009 Croatia joined NATO and on July 1, 2013 it became the 28th member of the European Union.
Most of these arms were exported via Jordan. In 2014 Croatian arms exports reached 1.5 bn HRK (Croatian kuna) or €200 million or $257 million, the majority of exports being to NATO allies and Australia.
In late 2014 the Croatian Defence Minister announced a major export deal to Iraq including the State of Kurdistan.
This downsizing of the armed forces has allowed for more funds to be allocated to modernisation over the past few years with an average of 1.6 billion kuna spent on modernisation, infrastructure and construction of new facilities. A $3 billion modernisation plan was proposed by the then Prime Minister Ivica Račan of the SDP led government in 2003, with planned modernisation starting in 2006 and ending in 2015.
A defence white paper was published in 2015 with emphasis placed on modernisation of the Army. ==Dr.
Intent is for up to 3 batteries with one battery being ready by 2015/6.
This agreement includes the sale of 20,000 VHS Rifles, 150,000 complete sets of uniforms, helmets and associated equipment valued at €100 million. Croatian arms exports are growing steadily at 10–15% year-on-year and were expected to reach 1.75 billion HRK in 2015 or around €230 million, although much of the equipment exported is non-lethal.
In May 2016, Armed Forces had 16,019 members, of which 14,506 were active military personnel and 1,513 civil servants.
Croatia granted €5.75 billion in export licenses in 2016 and 2017; however, only a fraction of this sum has materialised in actual arms exports. ==International cooperation== On April 1, 2009 Croatia joined NATO and on July 1, 2013 it became the 28th member of the European Union.
Croatia granted €5.75 billion in export licenses in 2016 and 2017; however, only a fraction of this sum has materialised in actual arms exports. ==International cooperation== On April 1, 2009 Croatia joined NATO and on July 1, 2013 it became the 28th member of the European Union.
Cost of programme 750 million kuna, or 375 million for first 5 ships, first to enter service in 2018. 2 new corvettes – 80–125 metres in length.
In late 2019, Croatian Government issued revised defence expenditure which will see country increase defence expenditure to meet 2% NATO target by 2020, with 2019 and 2020 defence budgets seeing immediate revisions and increases to meet new spending plan.
A plan to acquire ex-Israeli F-16C/Ds was cancelled in January 2019 after the United States refused to allow Israel to sell the aircraft.
In late 2019, Croatian Government issued revised defence expenditure which will see country increase defence expenditure to meet 2% NATO target by 2020, with 2019 and 2020 defence budgets seeing immediate revisions and increases to meet new spending plan.
Croatia’s government said it expects to receive the new offers by May and make the decision by August 2020. Purchase of up to 10–12 transport helicopters (after 2020) – replacing older Mi-8.
With the Government indicating that purchase of 10 new helicopters might be the only option after 2020.
Programme is at standstill due to lack of funds, feasible only after 2020. Overhaul of existing 2 Kralj class fast attack crafts, including new engines.
Cost of programme – 40 million kuna. Overhaul of sea radar Falcon 2 Enhanced Peregrine – programme is being financed by US government at estimated cost of $8 million. Possible purchase of 2nd minesweeper before 2020; although there are only indications that this might happen if funds can be allocated.
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