The Croatian Army (Croatian: Hrvatska kopnena vojska or HKoV) is numerically the largest of the three branches of the Croatian Armed Forces. The HKoV is the main force for the defense of the country against external threats, and in addition to the task of defending the Republic of Croatia, the HKoV also has the task of participating in peace support operations and humanitarian operations as part of international forces, as well as the task of preventing and eliminating the consequences of emergency situations in the country caused by natural and technical accidents and disasters.[3]
The HKoV has units of combat branches (Mechanized and Armoured Mechanized infantry), combat support branches (artillery, air defense, engineering, communications, nuclear-biological-chemical defense, military police and military intelligence units) and services support (supply, transport, maintenance and sanitation).[4]
Role and Deployment
The basic mission of HKoV is to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia. The Croatian Army is responsible for implementing war operations independently and with the support of other branches, leading the fight on land, on the coast and on the islands.[5]
In an assumed war or crisis situation, the land forces will act as the backbone and main force for the successful implementation of the defense of their own territory and for participation in operations outside the country in the collective defense system of the NATO alliance.
In war situations, the Croatian Army is responsible for the implementation of joint defensive and offensive operations in the defense of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia and participation in the defense of the state and allies in accordance with Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty.[6]
Tasks of the Croatian Army
Achieving and maintaining the optimal level of readiness of the forces in order to deter aggression against the Republic of Croatia.
Development and maintenance of the ability to participate in joint operations and the implementation of defensive and offensive operations.
Development and maintenance of capabilities for the implementation of non-traditional military tasks and tasks of response to asymmetric threats (terrorism, illicit trade and smuggling of weapons of mass destruction, people and drugs).
Development and maintenance of the ability to participate in international military operations and humanitarian operations as part of international forces
Participation in international military peace support operations.
Participation in supporting the allied forces in Croatia.
Participation in arms control activities and building confidence and security measures.
Development and maintenance of the ability to participate in the support of providing assistance to civil institutions in the country in crisis situations, protection and rescue and in support of civil society.
Communication and information support to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.[7][8]
Recent and current operations
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
The Croatian Army has contributed to the following NATO missions since 2015:[9]
NATO EFP Battlegroups (Lithuania & Poland)
Operation Resolute Support (Afghanistan)
NATO International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) (Afghanistan)
The Croatian Army celebrates its day on May 28 in commemoration of the day when members of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th brigades of the Croatian National Guard were lined up and sworn in at the NK Zagreb stadium in Kranjčevićeva Street in Zagreb.[13] The organization of the first units of the ZNG followed the "Bloody Easter" in 1991, when it became obvious that the Republic of Croatia would have to defend itself with organized military forces. The first units of the National Guard Corps are considered to be the first units of the ground forces of the Croatian Army, and from their active cores came the guard brigades: 1st Guards Brigade "Tigrovi", 2nd Guards Brigade "Gromovi", 3rd Guards Brigade "Kune" and 4th Guards Brigade "Pauci",[14][15] units which during the Homeland War were the backbone and main bearers of all operations carried out by the Croatian Army. Members of the guard brigades fought on the battlefields throughout the Republic of Croatia during the most difficult battles and decisive moments in the Homeland War, and together with the members of the reserve infantry brigades, which were also founded in 1991, they participated in the battles for Vukovar, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Karlovac, Gospić, Novska and Okučane, in the battles for the preservation of state borders in Posavina, Banovina, Lika, in the east in Slavonia and in the south in the hinterland of Zadar, Sibenik and Dubrovnik. Professional and reserve members of the ground forces of the Croatian Army participated and were the main force and support in the preparation and implementation of operations such as the "Spaljena Zemlja" operation in 1992, the "Maslenica" operation in 1993, and the liberation operations in 1995 which finally led to the liberation of the occupied territory and the establishment of the integrity of the Republic of Croatia. With their strength and the art of warfare, they made the main effort and celebrated as winners in operations "Flash", "Summer '95" and "Storm".[16] After the brilliant victory in "Storm", operations "Mistral" and "Southern Move" followed. The final operations in 1995 established a military balance of power in the region, and the opposing side had to directly recognize Croatian military power, and this balance of power forced the opposing side to peacefully resolve the reintegration of the Croatian Danube region.[17][18]
Numerous Croatian army units arose from the Croatian National Guard, including:
With the end of the Homeland War, the ground forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia begin their transformation, reduction and transition to a peacetime organization with the territorial principle of defense.
At the end of 2002, the formation of the Croatian Land Army as one of the branches of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia began. The head of the formation is Lieutenant General Marijan Mareković, who is also its first commander and held this position until March 19, 2007.
Shortly after the organization of the HKov unit, in addition to their basic tasks in the defense of the sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia, they also receive the tasks of participating in NATO-led international operations and UN missions.
In 2007, the Croatian Army abandoned the corps structure and the territorial principle of defense through a reorganization, and from four brigades two were established with their commands in Vinkovci and Knin.
Croatian army locations Key: red – mech, gold – armoured
Organizational Structure and Status
The Croatian Army is an all-volunteer force numbering 7,073 active duty personnel and 151 civil servants and employees as of 2020.[1] The Army can also call on 6,000 reserve personnel who serve up to 30 days every year.
Croatian Army Master Sgt.(right) discusses patrol routes with a Czech Army Sgt. (left) in Germany to prepare for Afghanistan, 2012
The Croatian Army is being reorganized to fit in the NATO doctrine of a small, highly capable force with an emphasis on mobility and versatility. Major combatant commands of the Croatian Army are one armoured and one mechanized brigade, each brigade having a specific role and different responsibilities. Between 2003-2014 Croatia deployed 350 personnel in support of NATOInternational Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
Croatia achieved NATO membership in April 2009. The defence reforms that Croatia initiated in 2000 have a long-term goal of replacing and modernizing the armed forces to meet the challenges of NATO membership. The plan calls for the modernization of the Army and the introduction of training and doctrine in line with Western (NATO) standards. Replacing ex-Yugoslav/Soviet hardware is also one of the main priorities.
Due to Russo-Ukrainian War and intense regional security it has become apparent current Army organization requires significant re-organization. What this re-organization entails will become apparent in next defence white paper later in the year, however current Defence Minister outlined some requirements which includes formation of a 3rd (reserve) brigade which will needed to be fully equipped and ready to be deployed at moment's notice.[19] Brigade would be medium mechanized infantry brigade, with equipment donated by US and some of the current equipment relegated to a reserve status, this includes older MRAP vehicles, M1151 vehicles which are going to be replaced by newer counterparts, undisclosed number of Stryker probably around 120 vehicles, heavier artillery and light anti aircraft systems.
Operational art and tactical doctrine
Building on NATO's Partnership for Peace assistance programs and full NATO membership since 2009, the Croatian Army has embraced the alliance concepts of the 24-hour, three-dimensional battlefield and the employment of highly trained and motivated forces equipped to deploy rapidly and operate with flexibility as part of a larger multinational force.[20]
The Croatian Army is also working more closely with the air force and navy, resulting in more multi-phased operations with detailed ground/air coordination, but more needs to be done at all echelons to achieve a deeper level of jointness. In all of these activities, the land forces are in the lead.[20]
In past decade or so, Croatian Army underwent significant changes, modernisation of the armed forces albeit at the much slower pace then anticipated due to economic recession at the start of this decade, caused realignment of Croatia's priorities, Croatia's military subsequently faced significant cutbacks and reduction in expenditure or purchase of new armaments. However, as a result of NATO membership, Croatia agreed to fulfill some of the operational responsibilities towards NATO, this includes formation of two mechanised brigades, with emphasis on equipping both brigades with NATO standard equipment.
Procurement of heavy weapons is still lagging behind due to shortage of funding for the armed forces, however donations by the US Armed Forces have helped Croatia to gap some of the shortfalls. Purchase of 126 Patria AMV APCs allowed for light mechanized brigade to replace old Yugoslav and Soviet era weapon systems that saw little use with in NATO. However, the Heavy Mechanized brigade still relies heavily on Soviet and Yugoslav-era weapons systems and modernization of that brigade is one of the priorities for current government. Equipping the brigade with a modern Infantry Fighting Vehicle such as M2 Bradley, would go long way in fulfilling that task. Modernization of Croatia's M-84 main battle tanks due to significant costs but also lack of interoperability within NATO has been dropped and alternatives are being sought, Leopard 2A8 most likely being the choice for the armed forces.
Current plans call for establishment of a 3rd mechanized battalion with in Heavy Mechanized Brigade due to NATO requirement for such unit. 60 Additional Patria AMV will be ordered to fulfill requirements for Heavy Mechanized Brigade, additional PzH 2000 howitzers are likely to be purchased from Germany to meet the NATO requirement for a 2nd Armored Battalion. Additional light mine protected vehicles to be sought from US, to meet the NATO requirements for ISTAR capability and number of drones and UAVs to be purchased as part of this capability. Army will try to update its current logistics' requirement with a purchase of up to 500 new military trucks, 300 light off-road vehicles and number of other support vehicles. This is likely to take at least a decade due to shortage of funds.
Purchase of 30mm RCWS is a priority, 16 of which are already on order, requirement calls for 64 RCWS, this also includes purchase of modern anti tank system for the armed forces to replace current Soviet era systems that are nearing their use date.
Army also plans to purchase modern western medium range Surface to air system, with MICA being the most likely choice, however shortage of funds might delay the purchase until late 2020s.
The budget should slowly increase due to NATO requirement for all its members to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense. Croatia plans to meet that target by around 2025, by which point Croatian economy is expected to reach around 550billion kuna or just under $90billion at current exchange rate. With more funds it is hoped Croatia could modernize most of its armed forces to NATO standard without US assistance by this point. Currently the US has aided Croatian Armed Forces modernization and training in tune of around €120million per year since 2015 and is expected to increase these slightly in coming years as Croatia is about to purchase UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and number of other systems.
Other programs:
Equipping motorized infantry battalion (800-1,000 men) with night vision equipment, including advanced optoelectronics and sensors, ground radars, thermal imaging cameras
NBC equipment for biological/chemical-decontamination unit
Procurement of new army engineering vehicles, armored recovery vehicles, mine clearance vehicles and armored personal vehicles designed to withstand mine blasts
Procurement of modern communication and battlefield management systems
Procurement of new logistic and amphibious vehicles
Procurement of 3-4 Artillery Radars
Procurement of 8-12 Mobile air defense radars
Procurement of Army Field Hospital
Procurement of 16 Army Tank transporters, Heavy Equipment Transporters
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia are the military forces organized for the defense of the Republic of Croatia and its allies by military means and for other forms of use and use in accordance with the domestic and international law. The Croatian Armed Forces protect the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Croatia and defend its territorial integrity.
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The 1st Mechanized Guard Brigade - named "The Tigers" - was the most elite and best equipped military brigade of the Croatian Army. Its military base and headquarters was in the Croatian capital of Zagreb, origin of most of the brigade's personnel. In 2008, as part of a larger military restructuring, the brigade-sized unit was disbanded and reformed as a battalion of the Motorized Guard Brigade.
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Tank Battalion "Kune" is one to two armoured units within the Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade (GOMBR) of the Croatian Army.
↑ Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995. Central Intelligence Agency. 2002. ISBN978-0-16-066472-4.
↑ Nazor, Ante (2007). Počeci suvremene hrvatske države: kronologija procesa osamostaljenja Republike Hrvatske: od Memoranduma SANU 1986. do proglašenja neovisnosti 8. listopada 199. ISBN978-953-7439-01-9.
↑ Davor, Marijan (2010). Storm. Croatian Homeland War Memorial & Documentation Centre. ISBN978-953-7439-25-5.
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