Croatia receives first four Bradley M2A2 infantry fighting vehicles
On 14 January 2025, the Croatian Armed Forces received the first four Bradley M2A2 ODS infantry fighting vehicles during a ceremony at the 132nd HV Brigade in Nasice.
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These vehicles are part of a donation from the US government, which includes a total of 89 Bradley units, of which 62 are to be restored for operational use.
Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić spoke at the ceremony and stressed that the acquisition contributes to strengthening the country's defence capabilities and fulfilling its commitments to NATO. Croatia allocates 2% of its GDP to defence, of which 29% is spent on modernisation, which exceeds NATO's minimum requirements.
The vehicles are repaired by the Croatian company Đuro Đaković Special Vehicles in Slavonski Brod. As of today, eight vehicles have been repaired, of which four have been delivered for training and four more are expected by the end of January. BAE Systems instructors are training 48 mechanics and operators, which should be completed by March 2025.
U.S. Ambassador Natalie Rice stressed the strategic importance of the defence partnership between the two countries and noted that the Bradley delivery enhances Croatia's defence capabilities and contribution to NATO.
The total cost of the project is $196.4 million, of which $51.2 million is funded by the United States and the remaining costs will be covered by Croatia over five years. The delivery of all 89 vehicles is scheduled for 2026, which will be an important milestone in the modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces.
Source: MORH
