Croatia is moving to manufacture its own ammunition for the first time. The government has set plans in motion for producing both small and large-calibre rounds, including artillery shells of 122mm and 155mm. 

The move comes as Croatia increases its military spending to 2% of GDP in line with Nato commitments, with expectations that this figure could rise to 3% in the coming years. 

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić confirmed that a production site for small-caliber rounds has already been identified, while negotiations continue for large-calibre ammunition.

The ammunition production plan is also part of a broader effort to move away from outdated Soviet-era weaponry. The government has already begun phasing out its M-84 tanks, which use a caliber incompatible with NATO systems, in favor of German-made Leopard 2 tanks. The Leopard, widely considered one of the most advanced tanks in the world, will gradually replace Croatia’s aging fleet.

Beyond traditional hardware, Croatia is also looking to expand its capabilities in cybersecurity, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other emerging defence technologies. Anušić has said that Croatia plans to develop its own military solutions through partnerships with local companies and research institutions.

Despite Croatia’s ambitious defence plans, the country’s leadership remains deeply divided on its military direction. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanović have been at odds for years, particularly over Croatia’s involvement in supporting Ukraine. Milanović has repeatedly accused Plenković of dragging Croatia too far into Nato’s strategy, while Plenković has fired back, suggesting the president is too sympathetic to Moscow.

The disagreement has led to public spats, with Milanović arguing that Croatia should focus on its own military needs rather than supplying weapons to Ukraine. Plenković, however, insists that the weapons sent to Kyiv are outdated stockpiles that Croatia no longer needs, and that supporting Ukraine aligns with the country’s long-term security interests.

At the European level, Croatia has backed new defense initiatives, including an EU proposal to allocate €150bn for military investment. Plenković has praised the shift, arguing that European countries can no longer afford to neglect defence spending.

Recent diplomatic tensions have also drawn attention to Croatia’s position within Nato and the EU. Plenković criticised the handling of a tense White House meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance, during which Zelensky was accused of being ungrateful for Western aid. The meeting ended without an agreement on rare earth mineral trade, raising concerns about future US support for Ukraine.

Plenković defended Ukraine, drawing parallels to Croatia’s own war in the 1990s. He argued that any future peace deal must include concrete security guarantees to prevent Russia from launching another attack in the coming years. 

He also dismissed fears that increased military spending would harm social programs, saying Croatia’s defence budget is rising alongside economic growth.