Croatia Joins Drone Coalition! Ukraine Gets Major Boost! Sheesh!
Croatia is officially on board with the international “Drone Coalition,” committing to back Ukraine alongside Latvia and the United Kingdom. This move, confirmed by the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X (formerly Twitter) on September 5th, signals a strengthening of support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing conflict.
Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman announced Croatia's intention during a meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže in Riga. Discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including economy, energy, and defence. Minister Grlić Radman specifically stated Croatia's plan to join the drone initiative spearheaded by Latvia and the UK.
The ministers also touched upon Croatia's application to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This reinforces Croatia's dedication to supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities.
Latvia recently supplied the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a substantial shipment of 1,300 drones, highlighting the practical support being provided under the “Drone Coalition.” This coalition aims to ensure Ukraine maintains a technological advantage in unmanned aerial systems through consistent supplies and collaborative efforts.
What is the Drone Coalition?
The Drone Coalition, led by the United Kingdom and Latvia, now includes a diverse group of nations like Australia, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Türkiye, Ukraine, Germany, and Sweden. The coalition's primary objective is to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities with drone technology and related resources.
The Hague Meeting
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans recently announced a meeting of drone coalition representatives in The Hague. This gathering, involving over 20 countries, underscores the collective effort to enhance support for Ukraine in its fight against aggression. Minister Brekelmans emphasized the critical importance of drones and anti-drone systems for Ukraine's defence, signalling significant investments in this sector.
The Drone Coalition represents a unified front in providing Ukraine with the tools needed to defend its territory. Croatia's inclusion further strengthens this coalition, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and security.