Commenting on the structure of the military budget for the next year, the minister told the press on Monday that the the share for the salaries in the defence sector would be reduced from 75 percent to 55 percent.
In response to criticism why the ministry jettisoned plans to overhaul combat airplanes, Roncevic said long-term plans did not envisage the development of this component, and in case of being exposed to attacks, Croatia would use a contract with NATO and ask partners for help.
According to him, in 2007 a total of 300 Croatian soldiers will take part in three UN peace missions, and the budget has allocated over 219 million kuna for this purpose.
The minister said that there were neither ultimatums nor requests for the increase of the number Croatian soldiers in any peace missions.
Commenting on a low public support to the country's plans to join NATO and peace missions, Roncevic said that his ministry would have to work on this matter to improve the situation.
He said that NATO "is the best and most cost-effective insurance policy in the long run for Croatia."