The seventh Croatian contingent departed from Bjelovar on Friday for NATO's Forward Land Forces activity in Lithuania, where it will participate in training and exercises under German leadership.
From the "Bilogora" barracks in Bjelovar, the 7th Croatian contingent was ceremonially dispatched on Friday, July 31, 2026, heading to Lithuania. The contingent consists of 88 members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, including six women, who will join NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) activity, as announced by the Ministry of Defense (MORH).
The contingent will be stationed at the "Rukla" barracks and will operate as part of the multinational Battle Group led by the Federal Republic of Germany. The contingent commander is Captain Josip Peco, who emphasized the readiness of his troops to carry out tasks in an international environment.
At the ceremonial send-off, alongside family members, senior officials from the MORH and the Armed Forces were present. State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense Branko Hrg stated on that occasion that Croatia, through this engagement, directly contributes to collective security.
"By participating in NATO's Forward Land Forces activity in the Republic of Lithuania, we contribute to strengthening security on NATO's eastern flank, deterring potential threats, and preserving peace and stability in Europe. I am confident that you will, like all Croatian contingents before you, carry out your mission professionally, honorably, and with dignity, to the pride of the Croatian Army and all citizens of the Republic of Croatia," said Hrg, as reported by MORH.
Hrg wished the soldiers success in all their tasks, a safe stay, and a happy return home.
The main tasks of the 7th contingent will include conducting training and exercises, enhancing interoperability with allies, and integrating into Lithuania's and NATO's defense plans. The goal of the entire activity is to strengthen collective deterrence and defense capabilities on the Alliance's eastern borders.
According to MORH data, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia have been continuously participating in this NATO activity since 2017. So far, a total of 656 Croatian soldiers, including 40 women, have taken part.
The ceremony in Bjelovar was also attended by the Chief of the Personnel Directorate of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Robert Suntešić, the Deputy Commander of the Croatian Army, Brigadier General Valentin Skroza, the Commander of the Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade, Brigadier General Željko Marinov, and the Commander of the Guards Mechanized Brigade, Brigadier General Mirko Stošić.
