President Milanović: Croatia must start the production of its weaponry
“Croatia must start the production of a portion of its weaponry. When I say portion, I do not mean aircraft, helicopters and complex systems, but ammunition, from personal calibre to artillery shells. The war in Ukraine, along with the preceding years, shows that this is vital,” the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović said at a ceremony marking the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force.
The President explained that in the future, the production of a portion of its weaponry will have to be taken into serious consideration. Although he does not advocate state intervention, he said that in some activities the state can and must be the only actor, and “that is the production of ammunition”. “Until now, Europe has not been able, could not, did not want to or did not take it seriously. As a loyal member of the European Union and NATO, we will provide support whenever possible and reasonable. If we wish ourselves well, we will have to rely on our own strengths and define what is possible,” President Milanović said.
In extending his congratulations to the Croatian airmen on their special day, the President highlighted that the Croatian Air Force, a vital branch of the Croatian Armed Forces, has now attained a level that should have been achieved earlier, noting the acquisition of modern equipment as a crucial aspect of its progress. “You currently hold a leading position within the Croatian Army in terms of equipment and the modernity of your weapons. It is very good for Croatia; it is good for you who serve the Homeland. It must not remain that way for too long, as other branches of the Croatian Armed Forces must also strive to keep pace. It will not be easy, it will be expensive and complicated,” said President Milanović, adding that equipping the Croatian Air Force is very expensive and will take a long time.
Concluding his address, the President congratulated all those who were promoted and awarded, telling the members of the Croatian Air Force: “You stand on the shoulders of titans who 30 years ago started in impossible (circumstances) and perished. This time is gone. You have the opportunity and honour to work in much better conditions and to serve for the same reason your predecessors served.”
“Only by investing in defence can we guarantee a safe and peaceful future for our citizens. Investments in the defence sector are the largest since the Homeland War. In addition to the project for the procurement of multi-purpose Rafale fighter jets and equipping with Black Hawk helicopters, there is a whole series of smaller projects, not only of the Croatian Air Force, but also in all branches of the Croatian Armed Forces. However, all this equipment and weapons are worth nothing without you, members of the Croatian Armed Forces. Therefore, we will continue to improve your material standing, working and training conditions. You are the most valuable thing that the Croatian people possess,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić said at the ceremony, extending his congratulations on the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force.
In addition to the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Commander of the Croatian Air Force Brigadier General Michael Križanec also spoke at the ceremony.
At a ceremony in the “Pukovnik Marko Živković” Barracks marking the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force, President Milanović presented decorations, promotions and commendations to the members of the Croatian Air Force. For honourable and exemplary service, the Homeland Gratitude Memorial Medal was bestowed upon: Major Dalibor Bučić, Master Sergeant Nevenko Benić, Master Sergeant Marijo Dević, Master Sergeant Branko Gradski, Staff Sergeant Ivica Guliš, Staff Sergeant Jakiša Marović, Staff Sergeant Mirko Sesar, Private First Class Tugomir Matleković, Master Sergeant-Military Specialist Darko Semper, Sergeant First Class-Military Specialist Branko Perica, civil servant Denis Ivanković, civil servant Zvjezdana Zubčić, employee Ivica Baričević, employee Damir Batur, employee Ivan Burazer, employee Zdenko Mamić, employee Jandrija Marić, employee Nedjeljko Mikulić, employee Marin Nekić, employee Marko Rubelj, employee Boris Šturlan.
Furthermore, the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces presented promotions to active female and male officers of the Croatian Armed Forces. Ivan Kurevija and Dejan Pavlović were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; Josip Perić, Filip Petrinjak, Ivan Šućur, Ivan Lovrec and Dejan Majski were promoted to the rank of Major.
On the occasion of Croatian Air Force Day celebrations, Colonel Saša Crnec was commended for having achieved above-average results in the execution of assigned duties.
At the Croatian Air Force Day ceremony, President Milanović was accompanied by the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defence Ivica Olujić, Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković, Head of the Military Office in the Cabinet for Defence and National Security of the Office of the President Colonel Ivica Kranjčević and Aide-de-Camp to the President of the Republic Colonel Vlado Čulina.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan