The Croatian Air Force has acquired a new modern capability – the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial system. The official presentation was held on September 2, 2025, at the “Colonel Marko Živković” barracks in Pleso, where the operational use of the aircraft was demonstrated. The Bayraktars will be operated by members of the 125th Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron of the Croatian Air Force.
This is one of the world’s most recognized and widely used unmanned systems, currently in service with 37 countries, including NATO members. The Croatian military procured a total of six aircraft along with supporting equipment, including a command and control center, training simulator, ground stations, spare parts, munitions, as well as a two-year warranty and technical support from Baykar experts. With this, the system has been introduced directly into operational use, giving the Croatian Air Force new capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and precision combat operations both day and night.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia General Tihomir Kundid, Commander of the 125th Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron Colonel Andrej Tijan, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Croatia Hayriye Nurdan Erpulat Altuntaş.
Minister Anušić emphasized the importance of the new capability: “Today we had the opportunity to witness the impressive operational capabilities of the Bayraktar demonstrated by our personnel trained in Türkiye. Bayraktars have numerous features and, apart from combat purposes, they can also be used in civilian operations such as search and rescue.”
General Kundid pointed out that unmanned systems are no longer just a support element but a key component of the Croatian military’s combat power: “We have begun developing new strategic-level capabilities, from Bayraktars to FPV drones.”
Squadron Commander Colonel Tijan described the project as yet another confirmation of the Air Force’s ability: “In a very short time, the Croatian military and the Croatian Air Force have mastered this complex task and proven that they can successfully implement even the most demanding projects.”
The first crews and technicians were trained in Türkiye between April and August, completing the program with above-average results. The next group is scheduled to begin training next year.
The acquisition of the Bayraktar TB2 is part of a broader modernization process of the Croatian Air Force, which in recent years has also been strengthened by the introduction of Rafale multirole fighter jets. The new unmanned systems will further contribute to national security as well as civil protection, since they can be used for border surveillance, wildfire monitoring, reconnaissance, and data collection for various government agencies.
