The Minister of Defence, Ivan Anusic, stated that the man is the key to defence, stressing that military technology without a pilot is merely a piece of steel. These comments were made in an interview with the central HRT news, where he spoke about the significance of the Operation Storm, the beginnings of the Homeland War, the attitude of Croatian soldiers towards prisoners, and the modernisation of the Croatian military. In this context, he also announced improvements to the material rights of Croatian soldiers.
Anasic assessed that this year’s commemoration of Victory Day, Day of Victory and Homeland Gratitude, and the anniversary of the Police-Military Operation Oluja in Knin had passed successfully. He pointed out that the organisation of the commemoration had taken place without any problems. A large number of units and modern military technology participated in the event, with visitors having the opportunity to see helicopters, the Akrobatska Skupina Krila Oluja, and Rafale fighter jets, as well as unmanned systems and special forces personnel.
The minister paid particular attention to the participation of Croatian veterans. He stressed that many veterans today have health problems and that the veterans present at the commemoration were people who were already old and ill. Despite the heat, the veterans endured the entire programme, with Anasic noting that the veterans stood in the heat for two and a half hours.
Speaking on the historical context, Anasic highlighted that Croatia in 1990 was completely unarmed and unprotected. According to him, Croatia was unprotected by European politics or the UN, with Croats left to be dealt with by the rebel Serbian army as if they were to be crushed. He stated that the rebels had killed thousands of civilians, veterans, women, and children.
Despite this situation, Croatia managed to organise and defend itself. Anasic stated that Croatia organised itself with incredible courage, skill, and improvisation. He added that they resisted and repelled the enemy in 1991 in Vukovar, where they broke the enemy's back. After 1991, they prepared for 1995, and in the meantime, they were recognised by Europe and the world. Everything was resolved in two days.
