Zagreb Military Parade Signals a New Balkan Arms Race

2025: Croatian Forces Parade to Mark Three Decades of Operation Storm

What the Parade Signified

MILITARY MARCH SPARKS REMEMBERING the pivotal 1995 campaign that reclaimed Serb‑controlled zones, symbolizing a key moment in Croatia’s quest for territorial integrity.

Key Highlights

• Honoring the Victory: A ceremonial route showcased the troops’ commitment to national sovereignty.
• Historical Milestone: 30 years since the decisive Operation Storm, a turning point in the region’s conflict.
• Public Participation: Spectators lined the streets, reflecting collective memory and patriotic celebration.

Celebrating Three Decades of Croatia’s Breakthrough

The streets of Zagreb were pulsed with pride on Thursday as the city marked the 30 th anniversary of a decisive military maneuver that reshaped the former Yugoslav region. The commemoration featured a grand parade, retrospectives, and speeches that revisited the pivotal moment of Operation Storm that took place on 4 August 1995.

What Happened in 1995?

• Operation Storm launched – A swift Croatian offensive aimed at reclaiming territory controlled by the Republic of Serb Krajina (RSK).
• In just three days the RSK government fell, ending a long‑standing ethnic Serb enclave within Croatian borders.
• The operation’s success effectively ended Croatia’s war of independence that had begun in 1991 against a self‑proclaimed Serb‑dominated faction of Yugoslavia.

Ripple Effects Beyond Croatia

While the primary objective was territorial reclamation, the campaign’s impact extended far beyond Croatia’s borders:

• It weakened Bosnian Serb forces by forcing them to divert resources to defend their flank.
• Combined with NATO air campaigns, the pressure led to a shift in the battlefield that paved the way for the Dayton Peace Accord of November 1995.
• These developments laid the groundwork for Croatia’s later integration into European and transatlantic institutions.

From Freedom Fighters to International Member States

Since consolidating control over its former territories, Croatia has moved from a new nation in the shadows of a crumbling empire to a fully recognized sovereign state:

• In 2009 the country joined NATO, affirming its commitment to collective defense.
• By 2013 Croatia secured membership in the European Union, symbolizing its economic and political alignment with the continent.

Looking Ahead

The parade was not just a look back but a forward pointing reminder that the sacrifices of the past have built a platform for a stable future in a region that once teetered on the brink of chaos.

French Rafale Shines at 2025 Paris Air Show

Event Overview

The Paris Air Show, held in Le Bourget just north of Paris, saw the French Rafale fighter jet taking the spotlight on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The jet showcased its cutting‑edge technology and impressive performance to a packed audience of aviation enthusiasts, industry professionals, and journalists.

Key Highlights

• Advanced Aerodynamics: The Rafale’s sleek design contributes to its agility and low radar signature.
• Powerful Armament: Equipped with a 30‑mm cannon and multiple missile bays, the jet demonstrates formidable strike capabilities.
• State‑of‑the‑Art Avionics: Integrated cockpit systems enhance situational awareness and weapon accuracy.
• Euro‑Inspiration: The aircraft’s heritage reflects lessons learned from European aerospace collaborations.

Official Reaction

Military officials praised the Rafale’s performance, highlighting its role in France’s modern defense strategy. Meanwhile, industry analysts noted the jet’s continued relevance amid evolving air‑space challenges.

Photo Credit

Photo provided by Michel Euler – © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

New strategic priorities and business challenges

Cracking the Firewalls of Croatia’s Military Future

Igor Tabak, the chief security analyst at Zagreb’s OBRIS institute, highlighted that the real jubilation for Croatia’s armed forces began three decades ago. Even so, Thursday’s recap offered a prime stage for the nation to expose its defence spending bulk to the public purse.

GDP‑Based Defence Spend Hits the Mark

• Croatia reached its 2% GDP target for military allocation.
• Future plans aim to scale up this percentage further.
• Last years saw substantial procurement; the wave is far from ending.

Showcasing Modernization

The parade—celebrating the first decade since Operation Storm—demonstrated Croatia’s shift from Soviet‑era armaments to Western technology.

• Old MiG‑21 jets phased out.
• Current force mounted with 4.5‑generation multi‑role fighters from France.
• Planned acquisition of 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany.

Domestic Drone Production Gains Spotlight

Tabak praised Croatian home‑grown drones that have been actively deployed in Ukraine, describing them as a breakthrough for the local defence industry.

Nations on the Retooling Path

Broader former Yugoslav republics are accelerating their shift to NATO‑standards.

• Most rely on imports due to limited domestic arms output.
• Notable exceptions: Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania heavily invested in compatible gear.
• Serbia remains the outlier with distinct procurement strategies.

View from Belgrade

Ethnic Tensions Fallout from Operation Storm

The Operation Storm of 1995 remains a pivotal episode in the Balkans, with many ethnic Serbs viewing it as a forced exodus that reshaped demographics in the region. Thousands of Serbs from Croatia were compelled to seek refuge in Serbia and Bosnia, a move that created lasting grievances.

Current Geopolitical Landscape

• Croatia–Serbia Relations: Hostilities linger as the two countries maintain strained diplomatic ties.
• Russia’s Influence: The war in Ukraine underpins a broader regional polarization, buttressed by a strong friendship between Belgrade and Moscow.
• Sanctions Stance: Serbia has refrained from supporting Western sanctions on Russia despite its aspiring EU membership, whereas Croatia recently inked a defense collaboration with Albania and Kosovo.

Risk of Military Escalation

Former Serbian officer and security analyst Nikola Lunić warns of an impending arms race that could destabilize the area. He explains:

“When Zagreb and Belgrade keep their relations sour, the act of strengthening our armies triggers a mirroring response,” he says.

Serbia, China and France Align on Military Cooperation

High‑Level Meeting in Belgrade

During a formal ceremony at the Serbian Palace, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic jointly inspected an honor guard, underscoring the deepening security dialogue between the two nations.

Strategic Agreements and Military Assets

• France: Serbia has signed a €2 billion deal to purchase 12 Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
• China and Russia: The country continues to procure advanced weaponry from both countries.
• Domestic Production: Serbia maintains a substantial defence manufacturing sector that also supports export activities.

Upcoming Military Events

• 80th Anniversary of WWII: On 3 September, President Vucic will participate in a large parade led by President Xi, commemorating the defeat of Japan.
• Local Celebration: A separate parade will take place in Belgrade on 15 September, highlighting Serbia’s indigenous military achievements.