Exercise Strike 24 tested Croatian military forces through simulations at key training areas and the evaluation of NATO contingents

The military exercise "Udar 24" was held from October 7 to 11, 2024, and represented one of the most important military activities of the Croatian Army in the past year. At several key locations across Croatia, soldiers encountered challenging scenarios to test their abilities, technical equipment, and coordination level with NATO allies. Training grounds such as "Gašinaca" and barracks in Zagreb, Sinj, Velika Buna, and Divulje near Split served as the main venues for conducting tactical and operational simulations.

The exercise focused on preparing and assessing three key contingents of the Croatian Army, each of which has a specific role in NATO missions across Europe. Thus, the 42nd Croatian contingent (HRVCON) is tasked with participating in the KFOR mission in Kosovo, the 15th HRVCON for enhanced forward presence in Poland, while the 6th HRVCON operates within activities of enhanced vigilance in Hungary. All three contingents underwent detailed assessments of their operational capabilities to determine how ready they are for further participation in these important international missions.

Technical and tactical preparation

The Guards Armored Mechanized Brigade of the Croatian Ground Army played a crucial role in organizing and conducting this exercise. Over the years, the brigade has gained significant reputation within the Croatian Army, and its members regularly participate in international missions under the auspices of NATO and the UN. Thanks to their modern equipment, including combat armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery systems, the brigade has proven to be a strategically vital part of Croatia's defense forces.

One of the key objectives of the "Udar 24" exercise was to practice complex maneuvering operations, including simulations of ground and air attacks, logistical support, and response to crisis situations. Special attention was given to integrating communication systems between different units, as well as testing readiness to act in conditions of high tension and complexity. The Guards Armored Mechanized Brigade, with its units "Sokolovi", "Pume", and "Kune", once again demonstrated a high level of coordination and the ability to respond quickly in field conditions.

Cooperation with NATO allies

The "Udar 24" exercise also had an international dimension, as observers from several NATO countries participated. Observers monitored the exercise to assess the level of interoperability between Croatian contingents and allied forces. NATO missions, in which Croatian forces regularly participate, are crucial for maintaining stability in the region and for enhancing soldiers' capabilities in international crisis situations.

In addition to allowing members of the Croatian Army to practice their technical and tactical skills, such exercises also aid in improving joint operations with allies. This is especially important for missions like KFOR in Kosovo, where maintaining security is a key task, or for operations in Poland and Hungary, where NATO presence has been strengthened in the context of modern geopolitical challenges. The exercise was therefore an excellent opportunity to test and adapt existing strategies, with a special emphasis on international cooperation and sharing experiences with other military forces.

Assessment and feedback

After the completion of the exercise, evaluation teams analyzed the performance of each contingent. Based on these evaluations, conclusions are drawn about which capabilities were successfully demonstrated and which areas require additional training or adjustments. Feedback will be crucial in further preparing Croatian forces for future NATO operations, especially those that require a high level of mobility and adaptability.

Such exercises not only strengthen the capabilities of the Croatian Army but also enhance its position within the NATO alliance, demonstrating readiness to take on responsibilities in international security operations. "Udar 24" thus confirmed that the Croatian Army continuously improves its capabilities, and its members remain committed to fulfilling all tasks imposed by international obligations.