The guidelines from the document will be incorporated into the ministry's development plans and in a long-term plan for the development of the Croatian armed forces, which is to be adopted by the national parliament.
This is the first time a strategic defence review is drafted in Croatia and it will serve as the basis for the continuation of the military reform. NATO experts were consulted during the preparation of the document.
The biggest novelty in the document is that it stipulates gradual cancellation of the drafting of conscripts and the full professionalisation of the armed forces. A transitional period envisages the so-called voluntary military service, which would cover about 2,000 conscripts annually. Currently, 16,000 conscripts are drafted annually.
According to the document, the entire defence system, including the main staff, will undergo reforms.
Defence Minister Berislav Roncevic said that after extensive discussions, the document would be forwarded to the government and the President of the Republic, who is the supreme army commander, who is expected to give his consent.
Minister Roncevic said that he was satisfied with the document.
We need smaller, professional and efficient armed units, he added.
Asked by reporters about the status of the Air Force, he said Croatia would retain the air force as this was the best and most efficient solution for the country. He confirmed that the coast guard would operate as part of the Croatian Navy.