The arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in Croatia is a sign of trust in the country’s security environment but also carries certain risks, a former Croatian military chief said, as regional defence concerns remain in focus.
Retired admiral Robert Hranj, former chief of the armed forces general staff, said the visit of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Adriatic city of Split for maintenance should be seen as a strategic signal.
“The visit of such a vessel is not like that of an ordinary ship, even if it is a warship. When a ship of this kind arrives, it is good news for allies and less so for others,” Hranj said in an interview with N1 television.
He added that the docking reflects confidence in Croatia’s stability and technical capabilities, but warned that hosting a high-profile military asset could expose the country to elevated security risks.
“There are always risks that something could happen, which could increase exposure, but this is acceptable given that our alliances with the United States, the European Union and NATO are crucial for our security,” he said.
Hranj said Croatia needs to strengthen its maritime defence capabilities after years of limited investment, calling for a mix of manoeuvrable naval assets and coastal defence systems.
“What we need is a resilient combination of systems and the ability to sustain a prolonged defence effort,” he said, backing plans to build two multi-purpose vessels.
Global arms race and regional tensions
Hranj said rising global military spending reflects a broader arms race, noting that defence budgets worldwide increased significantly last year.
“We are not the only ones – the whole world is in this race,” he said, adding that Croatia must continue investing in defence while focusing on deterrence rather than confrontation.
He said NATO membership provides a key security guarantee. “If something were to happen, NATO would assist Croatia,” he added.
Addressing concerns about neighbouring Serbia following reports of missile acquisitions, Hranj said the situation should be monitored but did not warrant alarm.
“No one can be indifferent when neighbours undertake such activities, but I do not think Croatia should be worried,” he said, adding that any conflict in the region would be severe and costly, underscoring the need for broader societal resilience.
Political meeting after years of deadlock
Separately, Hranj welcomed a planned meeting between Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanović, who are due to convene Croatia’s National Security Council and Defence Council on April 1 after more than four years without a session.
He said clearer legal frameworks are needed to avoid institutional deadlock, particularly in defining command structures within the armed forces.
“There must be no ambiguity about whose orders are followed,” Hranj said, adding that, under the current system, the president remains the supreme commander.
The long-delayed meeting comes as Croatia, like other European countries, reassesses its defence posture amid heightened geopolitical tensions and evolving security challenges.