Croatian-Hungarian cooperation in military logistics: Integration into multinational logistics networks – Creative image: Xpert.Digital
Croatia and Hungary deepen military-logistical cooperation for European defense
Strategic partnership for Europe's security: National and alliance defense
Military-logistical cooperation between Croatia and Hungary represents a significant component of the European security architecture, which has intensified considerably in recent years. This cooperation is developing against the backdrop of changing security policy conditions in Europe and the increased focus on national and collective defense within NATO.
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Fundamentals of the Croatian-Hungarian defense partnership
The roots of Croatian-Hungarian military cooperation reach back to the time of both countries' first joint NATO membership. Hungary joined the Atlantic Alliance in 1999, while Croatia followed in April 2009. Geographical proximity and a shared border create ideal conditions for close cooperation in defense policy.
In March 2018, the two defense ministers, Damir Krstičević (Croatia) and István Simicsko (Hungary), agreed in Budapest to intensify bilateral military cooperation. This agreement included joint exercises and participation in international military maneuvers, particularly in the areas of special forces, air forces, and land forces. Furthermore, three important agreements were announced: on airspace surveillance, air rescue, and the exchange of radar data.
The strategic importance of this partnership was underscored by the assessment of both ministers that Croatia and Hungary are among the safest countries in Europe, largely due to their armed forces and mutual cooperation. This assessment gained particular relevance in light of the complex challenges in Southeast Europe, including the migration crisis and security instability.
Integration into multinational logistics networks
Croatian-Hungarian cooperation in military logistics should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of larger multinational structures. A key element of this is the Structured Partnership in Logistics (SPiL), an initiative originally conceived by Germany and Hungary, which has since been extended to include the Czech Republic and is considered a model for multinational logistics cooperation in Europe.
Croatia is currently participating as an observer in the German-Hungarian logistics exercises, where troops from Germany and Hungary practice joint logistical operations. This observer role allows Croatian military personnel to gain valuable experience and prepare for potential active integration into the SPiL structures. Active integration of Croatian units into this Structured Partnership is planned to be possible from 2025 onwards.
SPiL is based on modular, standardized systems that can be used for both military exercises and real-world operations. The successful demonstration of these capabilities in multinational exercises such as Steadfast Defender 24, Brave Warrior 24, Vigorous Warrior 24, Clean Care 24, and Grand South 24 demonstrates the practical potential of multinational logistics cooperation.
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NATO Enhanced Vigilance Activities in Hungary
A concrete expression of Croatian-Hungarian military cooperation is the NATO Enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVA) in Hungary. Croatia has already deployed several contingents to reinforce NATO's eastern flank. The fifth Croatian contingent (HRVCON), comprising 64 members, including eight women, was deployed to Hungary in August 2024.
The structure of these contingents includes a national command, a national support element, staff personnel, military police, a security unit, a tactical team for civil-military cooperation, an explosives disposal team, and a medical team. The Croatian armed forces are part of the NATO battle group led by Hungary, which also includes Italian and Turkish units.
The Croatian contingents are spread across three locations in Hungary, with the main body of forces stationed at Camp Croft in Veszprém. Each mission lasts seven months and significantly contributes to the development of the Croatian Armed Forces' capabilities, increases interoperability with the armed forces of other member states, and directly strengthens NATO's deterrence and collective defense.
Headquarters Multinational Division Center (HQ MND-C)
Another important pillar of Croatian-Hungarian military cooperation is the headquarters of the Multinational Division Central (HQ MND-C) in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. Croatia, along with Hungary, is a founding member of this headquarters, which Slovakia later joined. HQ MND-C was established in 2020 because, until then, there was no NATO headquarters in Central and Eastern Europe capable of coordinating rear deterrence operations, responding to crises, and addressing collective defense.
This headquarters is designed to command a division-sized force of approximately 20,000 soldiers. Following Russia's brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the importance of HQ MND-C has increased significantly. It is rapidly approaching full operational capability and will then assume command and control functions over NATO units.
Central role of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC)
Croatian-Hungarian cooperation is also embedded in the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC), which was founded in 2010 and currently comprises six member states: Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Poland has observer status.
The CEDC provides a security and defence platform for participants to discuss, develop and promote common interests. Its main objective is to contribute to strengthening regional security within the EU and NATO by promoting the specific regional interests of the participants. Cooperation focuses on coordinating EU policies, addressing common regional challenges and threats, initiating projects between armed forces, and capacity building.
In 2024, Hungary assumed the chairmanship of the CEDC, underscoring the importance of Hungary's leadership role in regional defence cooperation. The presidency rotates annually among the member states and includes meetings of defence ministers, defence policy directors, and other operational meetings.
Modernization and technological transformation
A key aspect of Croatian-Hungarian cooperation is the joint modernization of their armed forces and the transition from Eastern to Western military technology. Croatia has decided to convert its armed forces from Russian technologies to Western standards, with Germany acting as a key partner.
In October 2024, Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius agreed on a significant exchange: Croatia would supply 30 Yugoslavian-made M-84 main battle tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as ammunition and spare parts, to Ukraine, and in return would receive financial support from Germany for the procurement of up to 50 modern Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks.
This modernization is part of a broader process that also affects Hungary. The Hungarian government has decided to largely convert its armed forces to German military technology. Hungary intends to procure the majority of its new military equipment from Germany and transition from Eastern to Western technology. This parallel development creates further opportunities for closer Croatian-Hungarian cooperation through common standards and interoperability.
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Maritime dimension of Croatian logistics capabilities
As a Mediterranean country, Croatia brings an additional maritime component to regional security cooperation. Its strategic location on the Adriatic coast enables alternative supply routes and reduces dependence on single transport routes. Croatian ports, particularly Split and Rijeka, play a crucial role in NATO operations in the Mediterranean.
The port of Split is regularly used by NATO naval forces. In March 2023, Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) concluded a port visit to Split after participating in Exercise Dynamic Manta 2023. This exercise was a robust and complex anti-submarine warfare exercise conducted by NATO Allied Maritime Command and hosted by Italy.
Croatia possesses modern port infrastructure and maritime logistics capabilities, essential for amphibious operations and the sea transport of heavy equipment. The country has already demonstrated its readiness for active participation through involvement in various NATO exercises. The Croatian Navy works closely with other NATO partners, particularly in Operation Sea Guardian, a maritime security operation focused on maintaining maritime situational awareness, deterrence and counter-terrorism, and capacity building.
Logistical exercises and capacity development
The practical implementation of Croatian-Hungarian logistics cooperation is demonstrated through joint exercises and training activities. German-Hungarian cooperation in military logistics, in which Croatia participates as an observer, has proven to be extremely effective and forward-looking. A key element is the regularly conducted bilateral exercises, which demonstrate and simultaneously strengthen interoperability and operational readiness.
Exercise Safety Transport 2024 (SATT24) focused on further deepening this cooperation and preparing for new security policy challenges. This exercise built upon Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE, a follow-up exercise to Exercise GRAND SOUTH within the QUADRIGA exercise series. The airborne forces of the German Rapid Forces Division and allied forces trained in rapid deployment and operations on the southern eastern flank of NATO territory.
The German Logistics Battalion 472 from Kümmersbruck has maintained a partnership with Hungarian transport units, the Lahner György 2nd Sustainment Regiment, for many years. For the past ten years, these units have jointly conducted the Safety Transport exercise series and undertake important tasks at the NATO level. This long-standing partnership offers a proven model for its expansion to include Croatian units.
Strategic importance for European security
Croatian-Hungarian cooperation in military logistics is of strategic importance for the European security architecture. Both countries occupy a geographically important position between Western and Eastern Europe, and between the Mediterranean and Central Europe. This location makes them natural transit countries for military deployments and logistical operations.
The integration of Croatia into SPiL would significantly expand the overall capacity of the logistics network. Croatia's maritime capabilities complement Hungary's continental logistics structures, creating a comprehensive multimodal network. Diversifying geographical locations and capabilities would create alternative routes and supply corridors that could be activated in the event of a crisis or failure of individual components.
This increased resilience meets the modern requirements for resilient defense logistics, as defined in NATO's "New Force Model" strategy. Experience gained from large-scale NATO exercises has clearly demonstrated the need for redundant logistics routes, and Croatian-Hungarian cooperation contributes significantly to creating such redundancies.
Croatian-Hungarian logistics cooperation: Challenges in NATO integration
Despite the positive developments, Croatian-Hungarian logistics cooperation also faces challenges. The full integration of Croatia into the SPiL structures requires further investment in infrastructure and equipment, as well as the harmonization of standards and procedures.
Croatia aims to meet NATO's target of defense spending two percent of its gross domestic product by 2025. The current defense budget is approximately €1.3 billion, equivalent to 1.8 percent of GDP. This planned increase in defense spending will provide additional funds for modernizing logistics capabilities.
Another important aspect is the reintroduction of conscription in Croatia, which is expected to be approved by the Croatian parliament by the end of 2024. This decision is driven both by competition with Serbia and by NATO's focus on national and collective defense. Conscription will be limited to two months and is intended to serve as a form of basic training.
Technological innovation and dual-use approaches
The future of Croatian-Hungarian logistics cooperation also lies in the development of innovative dual-use logistics systems that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. A true dual-use logistics approach enables the strategic use of infrastructure, systems, and capacities for both sectors and creates synergies between civilian business interests and military defense requirements.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of flexible logistics systems for crisis management. A dual-use logistics network would provide valuable capacity for both military and civilian emergencies. The lessons learned from the pandemic can inform the development of robust and adaptable logistics systems.
SPiL's modular system architecture is already based on principles that allow for flexible adaptation to various deployment scenarios. Integrating additional modules from Croatia and the private sector would significantly increase the overall system's flexibility and adaptability.
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Regional stability and Western Balkan integration
Croatian-Hungarian cooperation also has important implications for the stability of the Western Balkans. Croatia acts as a bridge between its established NATO membership and the Western Balkan states that are still on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration. Close cooperation with Hungary strengthens this bridging function and can contribute to the stabilization of the entire region.
The CEDC has extended its cooperation to Western Balkan partners, with both Croatia and Hungary playing important roles. This successful demonstration of multinational logistics cooperation can serve as a model for other countries in the region and promote their integration into European security structures.
Croatia's experience in transforming from a post-communist country into a fully integrated NATO and EU member is valuable for other countries in the region. Cooperation with Hungary, which has undergone a similar transformation process, creates best practices and models that can also benefit other countries.
Economic dimensions of cooperation
Besides its military aspects, Croatian-Hungarian logistics cooperation also has important economic dimensions. Developing joint logistics capabilities can contribute to strengthening the defense industries of both countries and create new opportunities for industrial collaboration.
Germany, as an important partner of both countries, plays a central role in modernizing their defense capabilities. The close economic and political cooperation between Germany and both countries creates a solid foundation for trilateral cooperation projects. Germany is already Croatia's most important trading partner and a major investor.
Joint procurement of military equipment, as practiced in the case of the Leopard 2A8 tanks, can lead to cost savings and improved interoperability. This experience can be extended to other areas of military logistics and contribute to the development of common standards and procedures.
Croatian-Hungarian cooperation in military logistics thus marks the beginning of a promising development that not only strengthens bilateral relations but also makes an important contribution to European security and stability. The combination of geographical advantages, shared strategic interests, and proven cooperation mechanisms creates a solid foundation for further deepening this important partnership.
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