Croatia is entering a period of accelerated modernization, with significant investments in advanced military technology. The acquisition of Rafale fighter aircraft, Leopard tanks, Caesar howitzers, counter-drone systems, and new transport vehicles marks a substantial leap in the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces (CAF). This modernization is crucial for credible deterrence and full interoperability within NATO. However, as retired Sergeant Major Dario Rosić emphasizes, technology alone is not sufficient; the human element is equally critical.
“Without modern combat platforms, effective reconnaissance, and secure communications, there can be no credible deterrence or full interoperability within NATO,” Rosić states. “But, technology without people remains just inventory—the difference between ‘we have it’ and ‘we can use it’ is made by operators, instructors, maintenance crews, cyber specialists, and a whole chain of other expert profiles.”
The geostrategic environment demands higher levels of expertise, faster training cycles, and greater overall resilience. Allies such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and France are already linking investment in equipment with investment in people. The UK is investing in military housing and family welfare, the US is focusing on military-industry transitions, and France is intensifying investments in family policies and retention.
Rosić advocates for a similar approach in Croatia, implemented through domestic solutions: treating housing as a capability, adopting a “dual-career” approach for military personnel and their partners, and developing digital portals/apps to enable faster and more efficient employment of partners near garrisons and duty stations. He stresses the importance of integrating a human resources (HR) module into every planned military acquisition, ensuring that the necessary personnel, training, and retention plans are in place from the outset.
“For every planned military acquisition, a human resources (HR) module should be built in and planned from the start—how many people are needed, what profiles we need, what training must be delivered, which simulators are required, what the maintenance concept looks like and how many people it demands, as well as a retention and career-development plan in service,” Rosić explains. “Pay and other forms of compensation must be transparent, and all planned benefits should support full family mobility, additional education and professional development, and take into account the real cost of living as the basis for planning.”
Over the past year, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia (MoD) has launched historically large-scale modernization projects. The completion of a squadron of 12 Rafale aircraft and the approval of a €1.945 billion package for Leopard 2A8 tanks, Caesar Mk II howitzers, TATRA trucks, and a national counter-drone protection system underscore this commitment. These investments are essential for enhancing combat effectiveness and interoperability.
However, Rosić highlights potential shortcomings in human resource planning. While the reintroduction of mandatory military service and voluntary military training are steps in the right direction, there is no publicly presented, coherent package of measures that translates budget growth into stronger attraction and retention in service. Housing programs, career development plans, scholarships for shortage specialties, and bridges between the Ministry of Defence and the defence or civilian industry are lacking.
“In conclusion, while the intake of new personnel and the fiscal plans are clear, the absence of a concrete package of measures for human potential creates a risk that modernization will remain predominantly a technical project, without enough people to carry and develop it in the long term,” Rosić warns. “This is precisely why every new capability must be matched with an appropriate, concrete, and measurable plan for human potential.”
As Croatia continues to modernize its military capabilities, the focus must extend beyond technology to include the people who will operate and maintain these advanced systems. By investing in human potential alongside technological advancements, Croatia can ensure that its modernization efforts translate into sustainable and deployable capabilities.