President Milanović Observes Military Exercise at Žirje Naval Training Ground: Commends Successful Task and Urges Protection of Croatian Waters

The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović observed today’s military exercise of the Croatian Armed Forces, “HARPUN 24.” The exercise took place at the Žirje Naval Training Ground in the central Adriatic. It began on 1 October and lasted for three days. President Milanović observed the exercise from the coastal patrol vessel “Omiš,” accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, and the Commander of the Croatian Navy, Commodore Damir Dojkić.

The military exercise “HARPUN 24” was conducted as part of the annual training and exercise plan of the Croatian Armed Forces, with the aim of training and preparing all participating forces for the execution of combat operations through coordinated activities. During the exercise, a number of complex military operations were carried out, including artillery fire at sea and air targets, maritime interception operations, search and rescue missions, and electronic warfare exercises. Along with the Croatian Navy, which led the exercise, the Croatian Air Force, Croatian Army, Special Operations Forces Command, and other units of the Croatian Armed Forces also took part in “HARPUN 24.”

At the end of the military exercise, President Milanović commended all soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers of the Croatian Armed Forces on the successful completion of their task. He directly addressed the Croatian Navy members who participated in the exercise aboard the ships, saying: “Croatian sailors and naval commanders, I congratulate you on the successful completion of your task in slightly challenging conditions. I wish you much luck, professional success, and good health – to you and your families. Protect the Croatian sea!”

“The three-day military exercise “HARPUN 24” was conducted according to the annual plan, within the framework of approved financial resources, and on schedule at the beginning of October in the waters of the central Adriatic. In other words, the exercise was carried out as it should be – fully and in cooperation with all branches of the Croatian Armed Forces. Military exercises must be conducted, and within my powers, I will always ensure their smooth and regular execution. This exercise demonstrated how the activities of the Armed Forces should be planned, conceived, and prepared. Only such exercises can achieve their objective, which is to prepare and prove the readiness of the Armed Forces to defend the Homeland,” said President Milanović after today’s exercise.

Also attending the military exercise with President Milanović were Bartol Šimunić, Head of the President’s Cabinet; Ivica Olujić, Adviser to the President for Defense; Marijan Mareković, Special Adviser to the President for Homeland War Veterans; Ivica Kranjčević, Head of the Military Office in the Cabinet for Defense and National Security; and State Secretary Drago Matanović, representing the Ministry of Defense.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta