Croatia’s army is gearing up for its biggest modernisation push in decades, with the green light given for four major defence projects worth almost €2 billion. From cutting-edge anti-drone systems to new tanks, howitzers, and heavy-duty trucks, the plans mark a major leap forward for the country’s military capability – and a boost for domestic industry, reports HINA. 

The Croatian Parliament’s Defence Committee this week approved the Ministry of Defence’s ambitious new programme, unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić. The total price tag: €1.945 billion. The aim: a faster, smarter, more mobile Croatian Army fully aligned with NATO standards.

Three of the projects — the Leopard 2A8 tanks, Caesar MK2 self-propelled howitzers, and TATRA heavy off-road trucks — will be financed through the EU’s SAFE instrument, a European fund designed to support defence cooperation and security. The fourth, an advanced anti-drone protection system, will be paid for directly from Croatia’s state defence budget.

Boost for Croatian Industry

Croatian firms including Končar and Đuro Đaković will play a major role in the projects, alongside international partners such as Poland’s Advanced Protection Systems (APS) and the Czech company Tatra Defence Systems. The move not only modernises the army but also injects new energy into the domestic defence industry through technology transfer, production, and maintenance partnerships.

“Croatia is not only buying new military equipment; we’re investing in knowledge, technology, and our industrial base,” Anušić said during the announcement.

Anti-Drone Protection System

Value: €125 million (excluding VAT)
Implementation: 2026–2029

In an age where warfare is increasingly digital, Croatia plans to shield its skies with an advanced anti-drone defence network. A framework agreement will soon be signed with Končar dd to equip the army with two stationary and two mobile systems for protecting military installations.

Phase one, to be completed by mid-2027, includes developing detection, jamming, and interception systems connected via an AI-supported, cyber-resilient command network. The second phase introduces mobile platforms equipped with 30mm cannons.

Polish partner APS will supply key technology, transferring part of the production of its SKYctrl system to Croatia — a move expected to open the door to other domestic manufacturers.

Caesar 155mm MK2 Self-Propelled Howitzers

Value: ~€320 million
Delivery: by 2029

Croatia will join France, Estonia, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Slovenia in jointly purchasing 18 of the next-generation Caesar MK2 6x6 self-propelled howitzers through the French Armaments Agency (DGA).

The deal will include both the core artillery systems and a comprehensive package of reconnaissance equipment, fire control technology, communications, and logistics support. Funded by the SAFE instrument, the contract is expected to be signed this year, with all deliveries completed by 2029.

Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tanks

Value: ~€1.3 billion
Delivery: 2028–2030

At the heart of the modernisation effort are 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks — among the most advanced in the world. The deal includes three simulators, spare parts, and full logistical support.

Production and delivery will begin in 2028, concluding by 2030. The tanks, co-financed through the EU’s SAFE programme, will replace older armoured vehicles and bring Croatia’s land forces up to NATO’s top operational standards.

TATRA Heavy Off-Road Trucks

Value: ~€200 million
Delivery: 2026–2030

Mobility and logistics will get a serious upgrade with the purchase of 420 TATRA T-815-7 all-terrain trucks (6x6 and 8x8). Croatia will join the Czech Republic and Slovakia in a joint procurement agreement to be signed by the end of the year.

The deal will also see Đuro Đaković Specijalna Vozila partner with Tatra Defence Systems for final assembly and maintenance in Croatia — another win for local industry. The trucks, which already serve in 21 NATO member states, meet full Alliance standards for ballistic and mine protection.

A Modern Army for a New Era

With deliveries stretching to 2030, Croatia’s defence forces are set for a sweeping transformation. From battlefield mobility to cyber-resilience, the projects will give the army a modern edge and bring Croatian industry firmly into the European defence supply chain.

“By combining domestic expertise and European cooperation, Croatia is securing not just its borders but its technological future,” said Anušić.

If all goes to plan, by the end of the decade Croatia’s armed forces will look — and operate — very differently: smarter, stronger, and ready for the challenges of the modern battlefield.

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Dubrovnik has once again swapped tourists for TV cameras as filming of the mega-popular Netflix teen series Outer Banks kicks into high gear across the city’s cobbled streets and rocky coastline.

This week, the action moved to the wild cliffs of Danče and the stone steps near Sesame, which got a Hollywood makeover overnight. Locals woke up to find oriental rugs, flickering candles, teapots, and fluttering flags transforming the scene into something straight out of a mystery adventure flick.

No spoilers yet, but the set dressing alone promises another dose of chaos, treasure, and teenage drama that fans of Outer Banks can’t get enough of.

The fifth and final season of the smash-hit show is being filmed in Dubrovnik until mid-November, with producers sticking to the formula that made it famous — sun, secrets, and scandal in picture-perfect locations.

Described as pure “sunshine noir” — a mix of paradise views and dangerous secrets — the series has turned the Adriatic city into its latest cinematic playground.

The city’s blend of ancient stone, shimmering sea, and cinematic light once again proves irresistible to Hollywood — and fans are already bracing for a finale that promises to be as wild as the scenery itself.

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Dubrovnik is going green this week as part of the national sustainability initiative “Hrvatska prirodno tvoja” – “Croatia Naturally Yours”, a project launched by the Croatian National Tourist Board in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

The first tree-planting event took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Solitudo, at the intersection of Vatroslav Lisinski Street and Riječka Street (below the roundabout). Planting continued the same day at the Solitudo children’s playground, followed by additional trees being planted over the coming days in Lapad Bay, Batala, Bosanka, Gromača, and on the island of Lopud.

In total, thirteen new trees will take root across the Dubrovnik area — each marked with the distinctive sustainability symbol of the “Croatia Naturally Yours” campaign.

The project promotes the planting of native species suited to local climates and emphasizes visibility — trees are being placed in urban centers, promenades, and waterfronts to serve as green reminders of Croatia’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

“One of our strategic goals is a tourism model that protects the environment, space, and climate,” said organizers, highlighting the importance of positioning Croatia as an innovative and responsible destination.

The initiative also aligns with Croatia’s climate commitments under the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) framework, with the goal of offsetting emissions caused by car-based tourist travel.

To ensure ecological authenticity, the Faculty of Forestry prepared a list of approved tree species for each Croatian region, while experts from Vrtlar d.o.o. selected the specific types most suitable for Dubrovnik’s locations.

“A developed environmental awareness is vital for the future of Croatian tourism, and this tree-planting campaign is a simple yet powerful way to contribute,” the Dubrovnik Tourist Board emphasized.

By planting new trees where visitors and locals alike can see them, Dubrovnik continues to show that sustainability isn’t just a slogan — it’s being built, leaf by leaf, into the city’s landscape.

For the first time, drones are patrolling Croatia’s roads — including Dubrovnik-Neretva County — to monitor speed, phone use, and other top traffic violations.

For the first time ever, Croatian police are using drones to monitor traffic violations across the country — including in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, confirmed police spokeswoman Andrijana Biskup.

“The goal isn’t repression, but prevention,” said Biskup. “These operations remind drivers of the importance of following the rules — because every story about traffic begins and ends with human lives.”

The drones are being used to detect offences such as not wearing seat belts, mobile phone use while driving, running red lights, illegal overtaking, and ignoring traffic signs. They’ll be especially useful on roads where stopping vehicles is dangerous, but also on other key routes in the county.

Police continue to target the so-called “four traffic killers” — speed, alcohol, seatbelts, and mobile phones — which cause the most serious crashes.

“Lately, we’ve seen a worrying rise in drivers under the influence of opiates,” added Biskup. “We urge everyone not to drive under the influence of any drugs, to wear seat belts, and use helmets.”

The Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department currently operates one drone, which is already patrolling roads today. The Interior Ministry plans to expand the drone fleet in the coming months.

“I believe drones will prove extremely useful,” said Biskup, “allowing us to catch violations more easily — especially in places where it was previously difficult to do so.”

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At 86 — “officially 87,” as she laughs — British triathlete Daphne Belt took on Dubrovnik’s Earth, Sea & Fire Triathlon, proving that age is no barrier to endurance or enthusiasm. A world champion multiple times over, Belt has spent nearly four decades inspiring others through sport and example.

In this exclusive interview, she reflects on her lifelong love of movement, the evolution of women in sport, and the simple but powerful motto that drives her forward: “Keep on keeping on.”

What inspired you to take part in the Dubrovnik Triathlon this year — and what keeps you motivated to stay active at 87?

I had heard about the race from an old friend, John Lunt, who was in fact my very first race director 36 years ago. I’d seen the adverts and thought it sounded like a great end-of-season thing to do.

My husband Stephen had been a competitive swimmer when he was younger and taught me to do front crawl. I lived by the sea as a child and could do breast stroke breathing into the water, so it wasn’t too big a deal to change strokes.

I looked forward to the event enormously — even when it turned out to be a “no wetsuit” swim, I was very happy in the water. I rode a hire bike this time; the days when I would carry a huge bike box through an airport are over!

I hoped that taking part in the Earth, Sea & Fire Dubrovnik Triathlon (what a beautiful name for a race) would open the eyes of a few people who have been told to act their age and not their shoe size. People have told me that for years!

You’ve lived through many changes in sport and society — how has your approach to fitness and wellbeing evolved over the years?

Most people get worried about having their 40th birthday, but I didn’t suffer that concern until my 50th. I had always been active when I was young — a dancer throughout my childhood and teens, even performing in musical comedies like Oklahoma and Brigadoon.

When my husband and I realised we’d gained some weight, we joined a gym, started swimming and running, and from there, triathlon became part of our life.

When I did my first few triathlons, I was in the 50–54 age group. There were no other women in the group all that summer. A few mums watching their kids saw me, chatted, and started running and training themselves. I even started a beginners’ running group locally.

I’ve been world champion in my age group many times as I’ve aged — 36 years is a long time! It’s wonderful to see how opportunities for women in sport have grown.

The triathlon combines swimming, cycling, and running — which of these disciplines do you enjoy the most, and which challenges you the most?

In answer to your third question — I am a triathlete! All the disciplines were new to me when I started.

I didn’t even have a bike as a child until my big brother was bought a new one and gave me his old bike, complete with crossbar. I’ve grown to love all three sports equally — they each bring their own challenges, but that’s what keeps it interesting.

Many younger athletes find it difficult to stay consistent with training. What advice would you give to them about perseverance and attitude?

You’d find the answer to that on most of my Instagram posts: Keep on keeping on!

Be kind. Be happy. Help others when you can. My husband and I have always coached without payment, just for love of the sport and a healthy lifestyle.

Consistency comes from passion, not pressure. If you enjoy what you do, you’ll always find a way to keep moving.

Dubrovnik’s Earth, Sea & Fire event celebrates the beauty of nature and human endurance — what does competing here, in this city, mean to you personally?

Steve and I live in a park, so we love nature. I was brought up as a child with all boy cousins and a brother, so I’m not afraid of bugs. My husband gets me to escort spiders outside — I never found any of God’s creatures scary… apart from some people, of course!

Competing here, surrounded by nature and the sea, felt perfectly aligned with who I am. The Earth, Sea & Fire Triathlon captured everything I love — endurance, beauty, friendship, and respect for the natural world.

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Daphne Belt is 86 years old — “officially 87,” as she jokes, according to British Triathlon rules, which count age as of December 31. Follow her inspiring journey on Instagram @DaphneBelt

According to the latest Deutsche Bank report for 2025, the price of a cappuccino continues to reveal striking global contrasts — from the steep peaks of Switzerland to the sunlit terraces of Croatia.

Switzerland’s Zurich remains the world’s most expensive city for coffee drinkers, with an average cappuccino costing a frothy €5.80. Not far behind are New York (€5.10) and Abu Dhabi (€5.00). Across Europe, prices cool slightly: London (€4.50), Vienna (€4.30), Paris (€4.00) and Berlin (€3.80) all hover around the mid-range.

On the other end of the spectrum, Cairo takes the crown for the world’s cheapest cappuccino at just €1.40 — less than the price of a packet of sugar in Zurich.

Croatia’s capital sits comfortably between the two extremes, with an average cappuccino price of €2.40 — roughly the same as Barcelona. For many locals, however, the cost of coffee is more than an economic statistic; it’s an essential part of everyday life.

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Dubrovnik is one of the most-visited destinations in Croatia. It’s also becoming a bit of a filming hotspot, with Game of Thrones shooting a lot of scenes and panoramic shots at the location. This has led to a boom in tourism, which has put additional pressure on networks. In an attempt to meet additional expectations, particularly in the summer, Croatian companies are trying to ramp up the fibre-optic structure, especially in Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Right now, fibre only covers 20% of the county, but this is set to hit 50% by the end of the year.

Source: Pexels

Exploring Recent Investments

Hrvatski Telekom is one of the biggest investors in Croatia, particularly in digital infrastructure. Last year, they invested €242.9 million, with four co-financed contracts, which are all aimed at expanding broadband in areas that have lower commercial interest. 

Right now, the goal isn’t to simply facilitate faster browsing; it’s also to make sure that digital public services are more accessible. During peak tourist season, mobile traffic in Dubrovnik, specifically, rockets by 30%, highlighting how important investments like this are and how long-term infrastructure plans benefit the local community.

According to HAKOM, or the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries, 90,000 fibre connections were upgraded last year, with traditional copper lines decreasing by 60,000.

Source: Pexels

Why Is Speed Just as Important as Accessibility?

Even though accessibility is important, speed is also a major factor when it comes to internet connections. As fibre expands, so does the need for high-bandwidth connections.

For smooth virtual meetings, a connection of 1-2 Mbps is needed, with group calls taking up 4-6Mbps. For local businesses that operate during peak tourism periods, fibre is an essential part of ensuring a smooth experience. Streaming in 4K or UHD can take up to 25 Mbps, and if multiple devices are streaming all at the same time, speeds of up to 100 Mbps could be required. 

In other entertainment verticals, like gaming, speed is also important. As most games are downloaded from the cloud, it’s not uncommon to see games surpass 100GB, meaning speeds of 200 Mbps are required to cut down on long waiting times. 

Browser based games like online slots only need between 1-3 Mbps to run, and can easily be played on a mobile device, a key part of their appeal. Games like these can often be run on mobile data as well, without the need for a fibre connection. 

Even though games like this run smoothly without the need for fibre, having a better connection still stands to benefit those who like to run multiple games at once, or who want faster loading times when on the go, showing how endless the benefits of having a better connection really are.

With Croatia undergoing a bit of a digital revolution right now, and with shows like Game of Thrones helping to attract so many tourists to the area of Dubrovnik specifically, upgrades like this are set to be huge. Not only do they benefit tourists, but also locals and business owners, which will feed back into the local economy.

A reader of The Dubrovnik Times sent in a photo that instantly caught our attention — a lively pub scene in England filled with smiling faces, pints, and, rather unexpectedly, colourful cravats. Intrigued, we asked for the story behind the picture — and what we discovered was a uniquely British celebration of a very Croatian tradition.

The historic old seaport of Harwich, on England’s North Sea coast, is home to many fine pubs and even finer beer lovers. One of them, Richard Oxborrow, realised many years ago that October 18th is International Cravat Day, a date that honours Croatia’s proud sartorial invention — the cravat.

So, Richard decided to mark the occasion in the most Harwich way possible: with a pub tour. Each year, he and a group of like-minded friends don their finest neckwear and make their way through the town’s old taverns, raising a glass (or several) to Croatian style and camaraderie.

Adding to the international spirit, local couple Garry and Alison Calver returned from a holiday in Cavtat bringing home two essential items: a bottle of Slivovic and a Croatian national flag. Both are now proudly paraded through the pubs during Harwich’s annual Cravat Day celebrations.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate this Croatian tradition in Harwich’s lovely old pubs,” says Oxborrow. “International Cravat Day is now firmly established in Harwich!”

From Dubrovnik to Harwich, the cravat — and a good drink — continue to unite cultures with warmth, wit, and a touch of style.