Cooperation between the defense and ICT industries is essential for a secure future
September 24, 2026
Croatia has strong individual competencies. We have manufacturers of defense equipment and platforms, as well as a strong ICT sector. What we need is to connect them around a specific product and a specific operational requirement. These were the key messages from an event organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE) and Ericsson Nikola Tesla as part of the ENT Technology Days program. The aim was to showcase technological solutions, foster cooperation between the two industries and create opportunities for new projects and innovations.
The central part of the program was the panel discussion How Can Industry, Government and Academia Collaborate to Develop Integrated and Competitive Solutions?, featuring Ivan Anušić, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defense, Tomislav Radoš, Deputy President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Siniša Krajnović, President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla, Peter Fleischmann, President of the Management Board of Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles, Zdravko Jakop, Assistant Rector of the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University, and Vedran Bilas, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb.
“None of the three branches of the Croatian Armed Forces can operate without advanced technology. You cannot be a serious player within NATO if high-tech solutions are not integrated into your military systems. That is why the work we are doing at the Ministry of Defense is so important. We are connecting Croatian technology and defense companies with organizations involved in equipping and modernizing the Croatian Armed Forces. As a result, Croatian companies are directly involved in defense modernization projects. Croatia’s defense industry may not be large, but it is exceptionally capable, and the technological solutions developed by our companies are recognized in both European and global markets,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić.
“We are not here today merely to see what each company does individually, but to explore what we can achieve together. Croatia does not need to build competencies from scratch. We already have them. What we need is to connect them around a specific operational requirement. Instead of five Croatian companies presenting separate products, their technologies can be combined into a single integrated solution. This is precisely where I see the role of the CCE through our Defense Industry Association,” emphasized Tomislav Radoš, Deputy President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy.
As part of the ENT Technology Showcase, participants were presented with a range of technological solutions and examples of their application in security, defense and industrial environments. The technologies on display included private 5G networks, secure communications, artificial intelligence, system management and monitoring solutions, cybersecurity technologies and integrated digital solutions.
“Today’s security and defense systems are built on the integration of communication technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sensors and advanced digital platforms. By bringing together industry, academia and public institutions, we create the conditions necessary to accelerate innovation and develop competitive, high-value solutions,” underlined Siniša Krajnović, President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla.
The event reaffirmed the importance of continuous dialog and cooperation between industry, government and academia. It also created opportunities for new projects, partnerships and initiatives aimed at developing competitive domestic solutions that can contribute to Croatia’s security, resilience and technological advancement.
