Croatia Will Soon Become The Newest European Operator Of Bayraktar TB2 Drones
Croatia took another critical step in its program to modernize the army and equip it with advanced military technologies by approving at the 39th government session on November 14 the Ministry of Defence’s proposal for the “priority and urgent” procurement of the Bayraktar TB2 from Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar. The strategic development follows the signing of a cooperation agreement between BAYKAR and Croatia-based ORQA for integrating FPV drones on the Bayraktar TB2 UAV during the SAHA EXPO Defence, Aerospace and Space Fair in Turkey.
Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić said the acquisition was necessary to “successfully respond to current threats” and was expected to cost around €86 million, but he did not comment on details such as the number of drones planned to be procured or the delivery schedule.
However, Turkish and Croatian media reported that the deal includes six Bayraktar TB2s, with deliveries scheduled for 2026. In addition to Bayraktar TB2s, the deal allegedly includes the delivery of various precision-guided munitions, communication terminals, command and control systems, and other equipment.
As a next step, the Zagreb Government will conduct the necessary technical negotiations with the Baykar defense company and establish a procurement commission responsible for concluding the contract. If a final agreement is reached, Croatia will become the fifth Balkan country to adopt these famous armed drones, after Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo, and the fourth known NATO alliance member (Poland, Romania, and Turkey).
Croatia’s intention to acquire TB2s is only one part of its comprehensive military modernization program. On November 12, the country approved the purchase of 8 M142 HIMARS artillery systems worth $290 million. It is also preparing to purchase up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany to replace the tanks and armored combat vehicles transferred to Ukraine.