The Croatian government has reportedly approved the procurement of six Turkish Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a deal valued at $95 million. Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic announced that the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia expressed a pressing need for the armed Bayraktar TB2 system, leading to a proposal from the manufacturer based on a comprehensive „total package” model.
According to Anusic, the acquisition will include six drones equipped with electro-optical cameras for reconnaissance, an initial set of weapons, and a provision for double radio coverage across Croatia in both stationary and mobile forms. Additionally, the deal encompasses command and control stations, a training simulator, ground monitoring and control stations, as well as initial spare parts sufficient for 4,000 flight hours.
Training for Croatian personnel will be conducted in Turkey, and the UAVs will be delivered with the necessary maintenance equipment. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Anusic highlighted the importance of the investment in the modernization of the Croatian Army. He also mentioned preparations for acquiring modern Leopard 2 A8 tanks and the ongoing maintenance of Rafale multi-purpose fighter jets, alongside the approval of a defense budget proposal for 2025 amounting to 1.5 billion Euros.
The Bayraktar TB2, manufactured by Turkish company Baykar, has seen active use in multiple recent conflicts, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The UAV gained significant popularity and recognition during the Ukrainian conflict, even inspiring a government-organized song that became a viral sensation internationally.
As of now, neither Baykar nor the Croatian Ministry of Defense has provided additional comments regarding the deal.
