Croatia has reached an agreement with the United States to accelerate the delivery of eight Black Hawk helicopters and eight HIMARS systems, bringing the expected arrival of the equipment forward from the previously planned schedule. The Croatian Defense Ministry said the systems could now arrive by the end of 2027 or early 2028, rather than during the third quarter of 2028. The announcement came during Defense Minister Ivan Anušić’s working visit to the United States.
Anušić discussed the accelerated schedule with US representatives responsible for the military systems being acquired by Croatia during a visit to the Yulista Aviation Center of Excellence in Alabama. The talks also covered Croatia’s broader procurement program, including Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Croatian officials also inspected the Black Hawk helicopters currently undergoing final equipment installation and testing before delivery.
Croatia Accelerates Black Hawk and HIMARS Deliveries
The eight additional Black Hawks will expand Croatia’s existing fleet. The Croatian Air Force already operates four helicopters of the same type, meaning the new deliveries will bring the total number to 12. Croatian officials have said the helicopters are intended to provide additional capabilities for the Armed Forces and support a range of military activities involving ground forces, naval forces and the Special Operations Command.
The acceleration is part of Croatia’s wider modernization program, which has been underway for several years. The government has been acquiring new equipment across different branches of the military, with the stated objective of replacing older systems and improving the country’s defense capabilities. Anušić has described the current procurement cycle as one of the largest modernization programs in the history of the Croatian Armed Forces.
The HIMARS procurement is another major element of that modernization effort. Croatia’s acquisition of eight systems was previously expected to be completed in 2028, and the latest agreement could bring their arrival forward alongside the additional Black Hawk helicopters. The Defense Ministry has linked the acquisitions with efforts to strengthen cooperation with NATO allies and modernize the country’s military structure.
Croatia is also discussing a future ammunition package for its HIMARS systems with the United States. According to Anušić, discussions are at an advanced stage concerning longer range missiles, although the relevant procurement procedures and approvals still have to be completed. The ministry has presented these discussions as part of the effort to ensure that the systems are accompanied by the necessary supporting equipment and capabilities.
The HIMARS program is being developed alongside Croatia’s decision to acquire South Korea’s Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems. The Croatian Defense Ministry announced in September that the country would acquire 18 Chunmoo launchers in a deal valued at approximately €435 million. The procurement represents another major component of the government’s broader effort to modernize Croatia’s land forces.
Croatia Expands Wider Military Modernization Program
Croatia’s modernization program extends beyond helicopters and rocket systems. The country is also acquiring or preparing to receive other major military equipment, including Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard tanks, while investing in additional capabilities intended to strengthen the armed forces. The Defense Ministry has said several major programs are expected to be implemented over the coming years.
The accelerated delivery comes within a broader European and NATO push to increase defense investment. NATO members have agreed to significantly increase defense and security spending over the coming decade, while placing greater emphasis on expanding military capabilities and improving the readiness of allied forces. At the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, allies reiterated their plans to increase investment and accelerate the delivery of new defense equipment.
Croatia’s position within NATO is an important part of this modernization effort. During a June 2026 meeting in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković discussed regional security, alliance readiness and Croatia’s continuing investment in defense. NATO said Croatia’s modernization efforts were part of the wider strengthening of allied capabilities.
The latest US visit also highlighted the long standing defense relationship between Croatia and the United States. This year marks 30 years of cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces and the Minnesota National Guard. The partnership, which began in 1996, has included training, exercises and professional cooperation and has become one of Croatia’s longest running defense partnerships with a US military organization.
For Croatia, bringing forward the delivery schedule could allow several important modernization projects to become operational sooner than previously expected. It also highlights the importance of cooperation with the United States as NATO members place greater emphasis on readiness, modernization and faster delivery of defense equipment.
Overall, the agreement represents another step in Croatia’s ongoing military modernization. The accelerated delivery of eight Black Hawk helicopters and eight HIMARS systems, together with the country’s other procurement programs, is reshaping the equipment available to the Croatian Armed Forces. The next stage will involve completing production, testing, procurement procedures and training so the newly acquired systems can be integrated into the country’s wider defense structure.
