Croatia commits to Joint Task Force with UK leading co-operation

Homeland October 13, 2016

During a recent visit to the UK, Croatian President Grabar-Kitarovic, has been welcomed by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon. The two met to discuss the growing defence relationship between the UK and Croatia, following Croatia’s confirmation it would contribute a Military Police platoon to NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force when the UK takes the lead in 2017.

The multinational force will be able to be deployed in days to protect NATO allies from potential threats and acts of aggression.

The two countries are due to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will provide a framework for developing defence and security co-operation. Further cooperation between the countries has been underlined by the visit of the Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender to Split in June, followed by a Reserves Exercise SAVA STAR in August, which was undertaken by 7 Scots with a Croatian Armed Forces infantry platoon fully integrated into the British Company. This exercise was so successful that it will now run as an annual exercise until 2020.

The Defence Secretary also confirmed the UK’s commitment to European security during the visit. He said: “Croatia is playing an important part in NATO’s measures to strengthen its eastern border, as well as contributing to the Very High Readiness Taskforce that the UK leads next year.

“By strengthening our links, we are showing that Britain’s commitment to European security as a leading member of NATO is unwavering.”

The visit further strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries, following the visit of the Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender to Split in June. In August, a Reserves Exercise SAVA STAR was undertaken by 7 Scots with a Croatian Armed Forces infantry platoon fully integrated into the British Company. It has been agreed that this will now run as an annual exercise until 2020.