Croatian Army
Croatian Army | |
---|---|
![]() Emblem of the Croatian Army | |
Active | 1991-Present |
Country | Croatia |
Type | Army |
Size | 12,000 personnel (includes 2000 volunteers) |
Part of | Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia |
H/Q | Karlovac |
Motto(s) | "Domovini vjerni" (Faithful to Homeland) |
March | Mi smo garda hrvatska (We are the guards of Croatia) |
Anniversaries | 28 May |
Engagements | Croatian War of Independence:
|
Commanders | |
Current commander | Major General Dragutin Repinc |
Notable commanders | General Martin Špegelj, General Janko Bobetko, General Petar Stipetić, General Zvonimir Červenko, Lieutenant General Ante Gotovina, Lieutenant General Marijan Mareković, Lieutenant General Mladen Kruljac |
The Croatian Army (also Croatian Ground Army, Croatian: Hrvatska kopnena vojska, Hrvatska vojska) is a branch of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.
The fundamental role and purpose of the Croatian Army is to protect vital national interests of the Republic of Croatia and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state.
Basic tasks of the Croatian Army are:
- to maintain an optimal level of combat readiness of the Armed Forces
- to fight a possible aggressor's main forces on strategic-operational levels and to defend against any land, air and amphibious assaults
- to prevent, in cooperation with the other branches of the Armed Forces, an aggressor from in-depth operations on Croatian territory
- to build and develop the capability to respond to requests of non-traditional tasks that are required of the Croatian Army (floods, fires, natural disasters...)
- to assist its allies and friendly countries in time of need.
History
The Croatian Army was formed in the Croatian War of Independence, when on November 3, 1991 the Croatian National Guard was renamed Croatian Army.
Numerous Croatian army units arose from the Croatian National Guard, including:
- 1st Guards Brigade (Croatia)
- 2nd Guards Brigade (Croatia)
- 3rd Guards Brigade (Croatia)
- 7th Guards Brigade (Croatia)
- Croatian 104th Brigade
- 204th Vukovar Brigade
Organizational structure and status
The Croatian Army is an all-volunteer force numbering 12,500 active personnel. The Army can also call on 6000 reserve personnel who serve up to 30 days every year.
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 mechanized and one motorized brigade, each brigade having a specific role and different responsibilities. In 2012 one motorized infantry company is to be detached and put under the command of the EU Battle Group led by Germany. Croatia continues to deploy 350 personnel in support of NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
Croatia achieved NATO membership in April 2009. The defence reforms which 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 modernization of the Army and introduction of the training and doctrine which is in line with Western (NATO) standards. Replacing ex-Yugoslav/Soviet hardware is also one of the main priorities.
There are various ongoing initiatives such as upgrade of the tank fleet, replacement of obsolete anti aircraft systems, introduction of a new Armored Personnel Carrier and NATO standard assault rifle, etc. Procurement of new, NATO-compatible equipment takes a significant part of the defense budget. Croatia plans to spend up to 20 billion kuna (1U$ = 5.0 kuna) on new arms over the next 7 years, of this at least 40% will be spent on the Army. However, the global financial crisis has put pressure on Croatia's public finances and the defense budget will be hard pressed to meet the modernization objectives as planned.
Croatia only recently operated almost 280 main battle tanks but this number decreased significantly due to the withdrawal of almost 200 obsolete T-55 tanks in 2006. Most units have been scrapped but a number was stored as operational reserve in case of need. The mainstay now is the aging M-84A4 main battle tank. However, modernization of the tank fleet is one of the priorities set in the new defense budget so that current M-84A4 tanks can be brought up to M-84D standard. The Croatian Army is also evaluating the M-95 Degman Main Battle Tank as one of the options.
In July, 2007 Patria AMV won the contract to supply the next generation of APCs to the Croatian Army. Only 84 vehicles were ordered at first but additional 42 were purchased in an extended contract signed in December 2008. Croatia thus has 126 units on order with first six vehicles manufactured in Finland delivered by late 2008. All remaining vehicles will be locally produced. According to some reports at least 50-60 additional APCs are needed. In 2010 an order was placed for an undisclosed number of M151 Protector remotely controlled weapons stations (RCWS).
In early 2007, Croatia bought 10 Iveco LMV light armoured vehicles at a cost of 330,000 Euros per unit. According to official documents, 94 of these vehicles are needed by 2012 and will be ordered shortly. However, Croatian contingent in Afghanistan continues to rely heavily on US-donated HMMWV and MRAP type vehicles.
Steps have been made to standardize the difficult to maintain vehicle inventory of the Croatian military which is full of various models of different origin, type and age. In 2005 the Army bought 152 light trucks and vehicles, 156 in 2006 with additional 170 obtained by the end of 2007. All vehicles are of prominent European or Japanese manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Iveco, MAN, Toyota and Nissan.
The Croatian Army plans to introduce a new assault rifle in 5.56mm NATO caliber to replace the AK-47 and its derivatives. The preferred model seems to be the locally manufactured VHS developed by HS Produkt. It was reported in the media that the MoD has purchased the initial batch of 1000 rifles in 2009-2010. Previous Defense Ministers Rončević and Vukelić both went on record stating the requirement for up to 20000 rifles. The MoD press and photo releases from regular training activities in 2011 indicate that the VHS has been issued to elements of the Military Intelligence Battalion, Combat Swimmer Detachment of the Special Forces Battalion, as well as to one of the infantry companies of the Guards Motorized Brigade that will be made available to the German-led EU Battle Group in 2012. There have been unconfirmed reports that the rifle is being tested in Afghanistan.
Current structure of Croatian Army
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Croatia_Ground_Army.png/400px-Croatia_Ground_Army.png)
- Armored Guard Brigade (based in Vinkovci)
- Headquarters & Headquarters Company
- 1st Tank Battalion "Kune"
- 2nd Tank Battalion
- 3rd Mechanised Battalion "Sokolovi"
- 4th Mechanised Battalion "Pume"
- Artillery Battalion
- Air Defence Battalion
- Engineer Battalion
- Reconnaissance Company
- Signals Company
- Logistics Company
- Armored Guard Brigade (based in Vinkovci)
- Motorized Guard Brigade (based in Knin)
- Headquarters & Headquarters Company
- 1st Motorised Battalion "Vukovi"
- 2nd Motorised Battalion "Pauci"
- 3rd Mechanised Battalion "Tigrovi"
- 4th Mechanised Battalion "Gromovi"
- Artillery Battalion
- Engineer Battalion
- Air Defence Battalion
- Reconnaissance Company
- Signals Company
- Logistics Company
- Motorized Guard Brigade (based in Knin)
- Training and Doctrine Command
- Infantry Regiment
- Artillery Regiment
- Air Defence Regiment
- Engineer Regiment
- Logistics Regiment
- Basic Training Centre
- Tactical Artillery Training Centre
- Training and Operations Simulation Centre
- Training Centre for International Military Operations
- Military Police Regiment
- Signals Regiment
- Military Intelligence Battalion
- NBC Defence Battalion
- Training and Doctrine Command
Army Modernization plans
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Patria_AMV_Karlovac_2009_8.jpg/250px-Patria_AMV_Karlovac_2009_8.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Iveco_truck_%28HV%29.jpg/250px-Iveco_truck_%28HV%29.jpg)
Croatia plans to spend about 7.5 billion Kuna (1.5 billion USD) over the next 7 years equipping its ground army.
Main Programs
- Procurement of 126 Patria AMV Modular APC/IFV - 1.2 billion Kuna (additional vehicles might be ordered after 2012 once more funds become available). Original contract with Finnish Patria was revised due to economic crisis with no changes in number of vehicles.
- Procurement of 94 Iveco LMVs at a cost of 220 million Kuna. Additional 100-150 vehicles are being considered for the needs of the army.
- Procurement of Advanced Artillery systems, 24x 155 mm Self Propelled Howitzers are to be procured before 2015 to replace obsolete 2S1 self-propelled howitzers. Program is on the back burner as there are more important defense programs and procurement of new howitzers might need to be postponed for few years. Swedish ARCHER Artillery System and French CAESAR self-propelled howitzer are most likely candidates for this program. German PzH 2000 was labeled to be too heavy for Croatian terrain. Cost of program - 1.2 billion Kuna.
- Procurement of 550 5-ton army trucks, 200 7.5-ton military trucks and 300 4WD vehicles - program is in a full swing and first batch of MAN (150), Mercedes (30) and Iveco (50) military trucks was delivered. Croatian Army also ordered large numbers of new 4WD vehicles, Mercedes-Benz G-Class - 160(320), Land Rover Wolf - 30, Toyota Land Cruiser - 50, Nissan Navara - 50, delivered in 2005-2007. Cost of program - 570-580 million Kuna.
- Modernization of M-84A4 Snajper MBTs and their upgrade to M-84D standard. Program calls for an upgrade and modernization of 75 existing tanks and procurement of additional 29 new tanks over the next 4 years due to a plan which requires Croatia to operate at least 104 modern tanks before 2015. Cost of program - 850 million Kuna.
- Introduction of new 5.56 mm NATO standard assault rifle. Cost of program - unknown. (20,000 rifles with day/night sights and grenade launchers are planned). Most likely choice is domestic VHS assault rifle, contract for acquisition of first 1,000 rifles was signed with HS Produkt.
- Scores of smaller programs, communication equipment, night vision capability, electronic sensors, NBC equipment, battlefield management systems and modernization of Artillery systems with new sights and electronic fire control systems.
Other programs:
- Equipping motorized infantry battalion (800-1000 men) with night vision equipment, including advanced optoelectronics and sensors, ground radars, thermal imaging cameras – 120 million Croatian Kuna
- NBC equipment for biological/chemical-decontamination unit – 150 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of new army engineering vehicles, armored recovery vehicles, mine clearance vehicles and armored personal vehicles designed to withstand mine blasts – 320 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of modern communication and battlefield management systems – 50 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of new logistic and amphibious vehicles – 250 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of 3-4 Artillery Radars – 30-40 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of 8-12 Mobile air defense radars – 200-300 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of Army Field Hospital - 80-100 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of 16 Army Tank transporters, Heavy Equipment Transporters – 80-100 million Croatian Kuna
- Procurement of Bridge laying equipment – 100 million Croatian Kuna
Equipment
Model | Image | Caliber | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HS Produkt HS 2000 | ![]() |
9x19mm | ![]() |
40 000 | standard sidearm |
FN Five-seven | ![]() |
5.7x28mm | ![]() |
- | used by BSD |
Model | Image | Caliber | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arma Ero / Mini ERO | ![]() |
9x19mm | ![]() |
2500 | - |
H&K MP5 | ![]() |
9x19mm | ![]() |
- | - |
H&K UMP | ![]() |
9x19mm | ![]() |
- | - |
H&K MP7 | ![]() |
4.6x30mm | ![]() |
850 | - |
Model | Image | Caliber | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Izhmash AK-47 | ![]() |
7.62x39mm | ![]() |
- | standard assault rifle |
Zastava M70 | ![]() |
7.62x39mm | ![]() |
142 000 | standard assault rifle |
HS Produkt VHS | ![]() |
5.56X45mm | ![]() |
100 000 | new standard assault rifle candidate |
H&K G36 | ![]() |
5.56X45mm | ![]() |
850 | standard assault rifle, more to be acquired |
FN F2000 | ![]() |
5.56x45mm | ![]() |
120 | used in army and special force |
FN FAL | ![]() |
7.62x51mm | ![]() |
2 000 | - |
Colt M4 | ![]() |
5.56x45mm | ![]() |
400 | - |
Model | Image | Caliber | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zastava M76 | ![]() |
7.92x57mm | ![]() |
640 | standard sniper rifle |
Metallic MACS M3 | ![]() |
12.7x99mm | ![]() |
240 | standard sniper rifle |
Sako TRG-42 | ![]() |
8.6x70mm | ![]() |
240 | standard sniper rifle |
Metallic RT-20 | ![]() |
20x110mm | ![]() |
80 | anti-materiel rifle |
Remington M40 | ![]() |
7.62x51 | ![]() |
260 | - |
Barrett M82 | ![]() |
12.7x99mm | ![]() |
150 | anti-materiel rifle |
Model | Image | Caliber | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Metallic RBG-6 | ![]() |
40x46mm | ![]() |
- | - |
H&K AG36 | ![]() |
40x46mm | ![]() |
- | - |
Model | Image | Caliber | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zastava M84 | ![]() |
7.62x54mm | ![]() |
1400 | - |
Browning M2 | ![]() |
12.7x99mm | ![]() |
500 | - |
FN M249 | ![]() |
5.56x45mm | ![]() |
- | - |
FN MAG | ![]() |
7.62x51mm | ![]() |
400 | - |
CIS Ultimax 100 | ![]() |
5.56x45mm | ![]() |
100 | - |
Model | Image | Type | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
M-95 Degman | ![]() |
MBT | ![]() |
2 | in operational service, first prototype delivered in 2003, second one in 2007, development transferred to M-84D. |
M-84D | ![]() |
MBT | ![]() |
4-8 | still under development, entire M-84A4 fleet to be brought to this level starting 2011 |
M-84A4 Snajper | ![]() |
MBT | ![]() |
75 | all M-84A tanks brought to this standard by 2008, awaiting further upgrade |
- According to the long-term defense plan Croatia is to have 2 tank battalions or at least 104 modern battle tanks by 2015.
Model | Image | Type | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BVP M-80A | ![]() |
IFV | ![]() |
128 | of which there are 104 IFVs awaiting possible modernization, plus additional 24 surplus or conversions |
BTR-50PK | ![]() |
APC | ![]() |
18 | to be replaced by Patria AMV by 2012 |
MT-LB | APC | ![]() |
10 | to be replaced by Patria AMV by 2012 |
Model | Image | Type | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patria AMV | ![]() |
APC | ![]() |
126 | 15 delivered by mid 2010, according to a new agreement signed with Patria in April, 2010, domestic production of the remaining vehicles to be speeded up and all units to be delivered by the end of 2012, since mid-2010 four units are being produced per month, however this is not a final number, Croatian stated requirement is for 252 vehicles therefore it is likely 3rd batch of vehicles will be ordered sometime in 2014/5. Patria AMV are to be armed with 88 mm × 12.7 mm (3.46 in × 0.50 in) M151 Protector RWS of which 36 will be armed with Spike ER ATGm and 24 with 40 mm Grenade launchers, 24-32x will be armed with 30mm/Spike ER RWS turrets (either Konensberg or Rafael), with remaining 6 being unarmed armored ambulance and armored recovery vehicles. [1] |
BOV VP | ![]() |
APC | ![]() |
54 | some used by the Military Police and in ISAF missions |
LOV-1 | APC | ![]() |
72 | light APC of indigenous design, total 72 produced. | |
M-83 Polo | ![]() |
APC | ![]() |
37 | anti-tank variant armed with 9M14P1 Malyutka missiles |
BOV-3 | ![]() |
44 | self propelled 20mm anti aircraft gun. | ||
Strijela - 10CROA1 | ![]() |
![]() |
12 | short range anti aircraft missile system based on SA-13 | |
HMMWV 1114 | ![]() |
IMV | ![]() |
85 | twelve vehicles donated by the US Army in 2007, additional 30 in 2008 and again 30 vehicles in 2009, mostly used by ISAF forces in Afghanistan but some are home-based, 40 new M1151 Up-Armored Capable HMMWV will partially replace the M1114 version in 2011, with 13 to be delivered in February |
Iveco LMV | ![]() |
IMV | ![]() |
10 in active service, 94 on order | additional 84 planned to enter service by 2012 |
Cougar (vehicle) | ![]() |
MRAP | ![]() |
10 | US Army donated several Mine Resistant Vehicles to Croatian Army contingent in Afghanistan. [2]]] |
Model | Type | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
M-84AI | Armoured Recovery Vehicle | ![]() |
unknown | last vehicle entered service in 2002 |
T-55TZI | Armoured Recovery Vehicle | ![]() |
unknown | awaiting replacement |
MT-55A | Armoured Bridge Vehicle | ![]() |
unknown | additional bridge units mounted on KrAZ 6x6 heavy trucks, awaiting replacement |
PTS-M | Amphibious Vehicle | ![]() |
unknown | awaiting replacement |
PMS | Pontoon Bridge | ![]() |
unknown | mounted on Tatra T813 8x8 trucks |
Model | Type | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spike ER | Fire-and-forget anti-tank missile | ![]() |
unknown | on order for Patria AMV 30mm/Spike Kongsberg RWS |
9К115-2 Metis-M | wire-guided anti-tank missile | ![]() |
54 | |
9K111 Fagot | wire-guided anti-tank missile | ![]() |
119 | |
9K11 Malyutka | wire-guided anti-tank missile | ![]() |
360 | 9M14P1 variant in service, due to be replaced by 2015 |
M80 "Zolja" | RPG | ![]() |
1000 | available in large quantities |
RL90 M95 | RPG | ![]() |
1500 | available in large quantities |
Model | Type | Origin | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strijela - 10CROA1 | short range surface-to-air missile system | ![]() |
10 | additional 2 units to be acquired, system currently undergoing modernization and test trials, will probably be mounted on Patria AMV vehicles to increase maneuverability |
9K38 Igla | MANPADS | ![]() |
67 | to undergo modernization in 2010 |
9K32 Strela-2M | MANPADS | ![]() ![]() |
141 | additional 372 systems are being withdrawn |
BOV 20/3 | SPAAG | ![]() |
44 | triple M55 20mm anti-aircraft guns mounted on a BOV APC |
M55 A4 20/3 | anti-aircraft gun | ![]() |
73 | 19 units to be withdrawn by 2015 |
Bofors 40 mm L/70 | anti-aircraft autocannon | ![]() |
12 | possibly withdrawn |
- Although Croatia acquired the S-300 long-range surface-to-air missile system in 1994 and demonstrated some of its parts on a military parade in 1995, it is believed that the system was never fully completed and operational although the training of crews was sought as late as 1998. Some sources claim that the weapon was subsequently handed-over to the USA or Israel in 2002-2004. However, officials still claim that the system is stored somewhere in Croatia.
Model | Caliber | Type | Origin | Active | Reserve | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M57 | 60mm | Mortar | ![]() |
69 | 1253 | |
M96 | 82mm | Mortar | ![]() |
69 | 360 | improved copy of the Yugoslav M69 mortar |
M75 | 120mm | Mortar | ![]() |
43 | 201 | |
M56 | 105mm | Howitzer | ![]() ![]() |
16 | 43 | used only for training, license-produced copy of the M101 howitzer, additional 95 units being withdrawn till 2015 |
D-30 HR M94 | 122mm | Howitzer | ![]() |
36 | ? | improved Russian D-30 howitzer brought up to NATO standards, additional one unit withdrawn |
M-46H1 | 130mm | Howitzer | ![]() |
32 | ? | |
M84 "NORA" | 152mm | Howitzer | ![]() |
16 | / | additional two units being withdrawn till 2015 |
CITER 155mm L33 Gun | 155mm | Howitzer | ![]() |
8 | / | all systems operational |
M114 | 155mm | Howitzer | ![]() |
18 | / | all system operational |
2S1 Gvozdika | 122mm | Self-propelled howitzer | ![]() |
9 | / | due to be replaced by 18 more modern systems |
RAK-12 | 128mm | Towed MRL | ![]() |
8 | 60 | Croatian-built version of the M-63 Plamen |
M-63 Plamen | 128mm | Towed MRL | ![]() |
200 | ? | total number is 200, but systems are mostly in reserve |
M-94 'Plamen S | 128mm | MRL | ![]() |
/ | 14 | stored |
APR-40 | 122m | MRL | ![]() |
36 | / | improved Romanian version of the BM-21, some additional units in reserve |
M-96 Tajfun | 122mm | MRL | ![]() |
4 | / | based on the Yugoslav M-77 Oganj but of 122mm calibre instead of 128mm, mounted on Tatra T813 instead of FAP trucks |
M-91 Vulkan | 122mm | MRL | ![]() |
8 | / | based upon the Yugoslav M-77 Oganj but of 122mm calibre instead of 128mm |
M-87 "Orkan" | 262 mm | MRL | ![]() |
4 | in reserve due to lack of adequate rocket ammunition |
- Logistics
- Army Jeeps, 4WD (550)
- Army Trucks 5-15t (1200)
- Mercedes-Benz
Germany
- Iveco
Italy
- MAN
Germany
- TAM (will be retired within next 3–5 years)
Slovenia
- FAP (will be retired within next 3–5 years)
Yugoslavia
- Mercedes-Benz
- Field Ambulance Trucks and 4WD vehicles (100)
- Special Vehicles (150)
- Withdrawn from service or in store
- T-55A withdrawal of over 200 units started in 2006 with a dozen or so tanks used for training until late 2009, but even that is no longer the case due to shortage of funds and all units have now been withdrawn and awaiting disposal.
- M-47 Patton (16) (2 in the local army museum and rest are target practice)
- M60P/M60SAN (45) (Yugoslav-made APCs - scrap heap and 2 in the local army museum)
- BRDM-2
- BTR-60 (16) (2 in the local army museum, scrap heap)
- ZSU-57-2 (2) (target practice)
- M53/59 Praga (24) (2 in the local army museum, scrap heap)
References
See also
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)