Milanović: We must start producing our own armaments

(Patria) - The President and Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović, participated in the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the founding of the Croatian Air Force.

In his speech, he stated that Croatia must start producing its own armaments and that 'the state must be the sole actor in ammunition production'.

- Croatia must start producing part of its own armaments. When I say part, I don't mean planes, helicopters, and complex systems, but ammunition, from personal caliber to artillery shells.

This war in Ukraine, but also the years before this war, show that this is vital - said Milanović.

He emphasizes that the production of part of its own armaments must be taken into account in the future and approached seriously.

Although he is not an advocate for state intervention in everything, he stated that in some activities, the state of Croatia can and must be the sole actor, and "that is ammunition production".

- Europe has not been able to, has not wanted to, or has not taken it seriously until now. As a loyal member of the EU and NATO, we will provide support whenever possible and reasonable.

If we wish ourselves well, we will have to rely on our own forces and define what is possible - added Milanović.

Congratulating the Croatian pilots on their day, he stated that the Croatian Air Force is a branch of the Croatian army that, after decades, "has reached where it should have been earlier" and has received modern equipment.

- At this moment, you are at the forefront of the Croatian army in terms of equipment and modernity of your armaments and gear. This is very good for Croatia, it is good for you who serve the homeland.

It must not remain that way for too long because other branches of the Croatian armed forces must keep pace with it.

It will not be easy, it will be expensive and complicated - emphasized Milanović, adding that equipping the Croatian Air Force is very expensive and that the rest will take time.

Finally, he congratulated everyone who was promoted and awarded, and told all members of the Croatian Air Force:

"You stand on the shoulders of titans who started from the impossible 30 years ago and died. That time is no more. You have the opportunity and the honor to work in much better conditions and serve the same cause that your predecessors served".