INTERNATIONAL MILITARY COOPERATION AND CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Future projects and tasks

In the area of international military cooperation the CAF participates actively in crisis response operations abroad under the auspices of international organizations and alliances. Furthermore, this is a very significant CAF activity in the process of confidence and security building measures on global and regional level.

The intention of the Republic of Croatia to become NATO and EU member in 2006 – 2010 period is prominent as one of the most important state policy goals in support of achieving this goal, the CAF will develop the capabilities required for fulfilling membership conditions.

In the 2006 – 2010 period the main efforts will be oriented towards a gradual increase in CAF contributions for mutual crisis response operations abroad, primarily, within the framework of UN, NATO and EU led operations. Simultaneously with the CAF transformation, the process of defense system adjustment will be continued with an increase in the overall CAF capabilities for participation in international military operations.

In the 2011 – 2015 period the achieved quantitative level of participation in international military operation will be maintained while at the same time the spectrum of operations in which the CAF may participate will be broadened. Upon Croatian accession to Euro Atlantic integrations, the CAF will declare and prepare units for participation in NRF and EU Battle Groups.

Projects and Tasks

The projects and tasks of international military cooperation are in accordance with the general goals of international defense cooperation and support the defense reforms and the reinforcement of defense capabilities of the Republic of Croatia.

The projected direct costs of participation in crisis response operations abroad revolve around 150 to 530 million Kuna annually depending upon the number of personnel engaged.

Projects and Tasks for the 2006 – 2010 Period

First priority level
• Gradual increase of participation from 200 members in 2006 to around 600 CAF members in 2010.
• Up to 150 CAF personnel engaged in UN-led operations – up to 14 UN Peace Support Operations  with nearly 50 CAF members individually:
  a) military observers,
  b) staff officers, and experts
  c) with 1-2 units up to platoon/company size – totaling up to 100 members.
• Up to 450 CAF personnel engaged in NATO and EU led crisis response operations in units up to the company level:
  a) infantry,
  b) military police,
  c) other units and teams from support units and services
• Prepare and train up to 100 NCOs and officers to fill various positions within NATO and EU.
• Complete the establishment of military-diplomatic network.
• Declaration of forces and their preparation for participation in NRF,
• Declaration of forces and their preparation for participation in EU Battle Groups.

Projects and Tasks 2011 – 20015 Period

First priority level
• Increase participation from 600 members in 2010 to about 700 CAF members in 2011 and maintain that level until 2015 (with a possibility of deploying more than 700 personnel after 2012).
• Continue participation in UN operations with up to 85 CAF members.
• Participation in NATO led crisis response operations from around 600 CAF personnel with rotation of reinforced battalion without rotation (up to 1000 CAF members).
• Fill positions at NATO and EU staffs with around 100 CAF NCOs and officers.
• Participation in NRF;
• Participation in EU Battle Groups.