With a ceremonial send-off at the "Bilogora" barracks, 88 members of the 7th Croatian Contingent began their journey to Lithuania, where they will strengthen the defense of the Alliance's eastern flank as part of NATO activities.
At the "Bilogora" barracks in Bjelovar, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, a ceremonial send-off was held for the 7th Croatian Contingent departing for the Republic of Lithuania. Their mission is to participate in NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) operation, within the multinational battlegroup led by the Federal Republic of Germany.
The contingent consists of 88 members, including six women. The contingent commander is Captain Josip Peco, and the Croatian soldiers will be stationed at the "Rukla" barracks in Lithuania.
On behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense Branko Hrg addressed those gathered. He wished the contingent members success in all their missions, a safe stay in Lithuania, and a happy return home.
Hrg emphasized that through this participation, Croatia contributes to strengthening security on the Alliance's eastern flank, deterring potential threats, and preserving peace and stability in Europe. "You contribute to security and peace in Europe," the State Secretary said.
"I am confident that you will, like all Croatian contingents before you, carry out your task professionally, honorably, and with dignity, to the pride of the Croatian Army and all citizens of the Republic of Croatia," said Hrg.
He also expressed special gratitude to the families of the contingent members, noting that they are often the silent support behind every successfully completed military mission.
The contingent commander, Captain Josip Peco, stated that all members are ready to carry out tasks in an international environment. "We are ready for international missions," he briefly said.
The 7th Croatian Contingent in Lithuania will be involved in conducting training and military exercises, improving the interoperability of allied forces, and integrating into the defense plans of Lithuania and NATO.
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia have been participating in this NATO activity since 2017. So far, 656 members of the Croatian Armed Forces have been deployed, including 40 women. The purpose of the activity is to strengthen collective deterrence capabilities, readiness to defend the Alliance's eastern flank, and contribute to the preservation of peace and stability.
At the ceremonial send-off in Bjelovar, in addition to family members, many high-ranking military officials were present: Chief of the Personnel Directorate of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Robert Suntešić; Deputy Commander of the Croatian Army, Brigadier General Valentin Skroza; Commander of the Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade, Brigadier General Željko Marinov; Commander of the Guards Mechanized Brigade, Brigadier General Mirko Stošić; and other guests.
On the same day the Croatian contingent set off, NATO launched an initiative to encourage financial institutions to increase lending and investment in defense and security companies. Allies are simultaneously working on increasing funding and partnering with private investors, NATO announced on its official profile on the social network X.
