The announcement was made during a meeting in Paris with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. Although Croatia joined the CEASAR programme during the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition, no executive contract has yet been signed.
A preliminary framework agreement was reached in June last year for just 12 systems, but Zagreb now intends to acquire 30 units. The increased requirement reflects both enhanced availability and improved financing options under European defence initiatives.
French media report that the production capacity of CEASAR systems by KNDS France has tripled since 2022, rising from two to six units per month. This greater availability offers clear advantages to potential buyers like Croatia.
Additionally, the European Union’s ReArm Europe initiative supports the financing of artillery acquisitions, making more favourable credit terms accessible. Croatia aims to benefit from these financial mechanisms to expand its artillery capability.
Negotiations are expected to conclude within the year, with a final contract to be signed immediately afterwards. The purchase would significantly strengthen the Croatian Army’s artillery forces and align it more closely with European defence standards.
Croatia has recently increased its defence cooperation with France, purchasing Dassault Rafale multirole fighters and MBDA Mistral 3 short-range air defence systems. According to Minister Anušić, Zagreb is also interested in acquiring medium-range SAMP/T air defence systems as part of broader strategic cooperation with France.
