Croatia has officially deployed 133 military personnel to Kosovo as part of the 45th Croatian Contingent (HRVCON) to NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission.
A solemn departure ceremony was held at the “Colonel Predrag Matanović” military barracks in Petrinja, attended by Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Ivan Anušić, alongside high-ranking military officials. The newly deployed contingent will operate under the command of Brigadier Marijan Grđan.
Professionalism and High Marks from NATO Allies
During his address to the troops, Defense Minister Anušić highly praised the track record of Croatian peacekeepers, emphasizing that their presence contributes heavily to regional security and stability in the Western Balkans.
“Every single Croatian soldier and contingent that has participated in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, and across other parts of Europe and the world, has consistently earned the highest marks and deepest respect from their colleagues in fellow NATO member states,” Anušić stated. “This continuously confirms the professionalism, knowledge, and core values of the Croatian Armed Forces.”
A Modern Legacy Rooted in History
The Defense Minister contextualized the deployment within Croatia’s own military history, drawing a parallel between the current professional force and its origins during the Yugoslav Wars.
Anušić noted that the Croatian Army is a “victorious military,” which was forged 35 years ago out of voluntary units that successfully halted aggression and, four years later, won the Homeland War.
“It is precisely this legacy that makes them special, and it is why our soldiers today proudly wear Croatian symbols, representing the Croatian people and the state,” Anušić wrote in a subsequent public statement. “I wish the members of the 45th HRVCON contingent great success, a peaceful and safe mission, and a happy return home to Croatia.”
Croatia, a NATO member since 2009, has maintained a consistent and evolving presence within the KFOR mission in Kosovo, providing infantry units, localized intelligence-gathering capabilities, and medical support teams to help ensure a safe and secure environment for all communities.
