In response to ongoing manpower shortages observed within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Croatia is moving to revive compulsory military service to build reliable reserve forces in case of a future clash. Official statements from the Croatian presidency describe the shift as part of a broader plan to strengthen readiness amid rising regional tensions and a tense security environment in Europe.
The president noted that Croatia’s reserve forces include seasoned personnel around fifty years of age, whose experience is considered a valuable asset for national defense.
He argued that an army cannot function without sufficient people and that modern tanks and warplanes alone hold little value without a ready pool of personnel to operate and sustain them.
Defense Minister Ivan Anusic stated in August that the revival of compulsory service would come into force on January 1, 2025, a decision issued as Europe faces escalating tensions and an accelerated arms race among states. Anusic added that the move is tied to strengthening military power in the Balkans region.
Earlier reports described Croatia’s plans to transfer older Yugoslav era tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, highlighting the country’s willingness to support allied security efforts while reemphasizing its own defense commitments.
Analysts say the policy attempt reflects a broader trend among European state actors who weigh the value of large scale manpower against the cost of modern high end equipment. The approach aims to ensure that reserves can be mobilized quickly to reinforce regular forces and maintain deterrence in a volatile neighborhood.
For audiences in Canada and the United States, Croatia’s decision illustrates how allied nations weigh the balance between manpower and the capabilities of high end hardware. It underscores a reality in which manpower reserves remain central to sustaining modern armed forces even as fleets of advanced tanks and aircraft arrive in service.
Experts note midlife reservists bring experience yet face training and health challenges that require careful program design nationwide efforts.
As details roll out, questions persist about how civilian life will adapt during mobilization while schooling and work continue with minimal disruption.
Ultimately, Croatia’s path signals a recalibration of its defense posture in response to regional dynamics. The shift aims to deter potential aggression, reassure allies, and maintain a credible commitment to collective security within NATO while acknowledging domestic realities and the need for sustained modernization.