Minister of Defence Ivan Anusic stated that man is the key to defence, stressing that military technology without pilots is merely a piece of steel. These comments were made in an interview with the central HRT news, where he discussed 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 benefits for Croatian soldiers.
Anasic assessed that this year’s marking of Victory Day, Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving, and the Croatian Veterans' Day, as well as the anniversary of the military-police operation Storm in Knin, had taken place successfully. He noted that the organisation of the event had proceeded without any problems. A large number of units and modern military technology were present at the event, with visitors having the opportunity to view helicopters, the Akrobatska Skupina Krila Oluja, and Rafale combat aircraft, as well as unmanned systems and special forces personnel.
The minister paid particular attention to the participation of Croatian veterans. He highlighted that many veterans are currently facing health issues and that the veterans present at the commemoration were people who were already elderly and in poor health. Despite the intense 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 pointed out that Croatia was completely unarmed and unprotected in 1990. According to him, Croatia was unprotected by European politics or the United Nations, with Croats left to be dealt with by the rebellious Serbian army. He stated that the rebels had killed thousands of civilians, including women and children.
Despite this situation, Croatia managed to organise and defend itself. Anasic stated that Croatia had organised itself with extraordinary courage, skill, and improvisation. He added that they had resisted and repelled the enemy in 1991 in Vukovar, where they broke the enemy's back. Following 1991, they prepared for 1995, and in the meantime, they were recognised by Europe and the world. All was resolved in two days.
