Canada-Croatia Forge Strategic Partnership in Defence and Technology

OTTAWA, ON – June 22, 2026 – A landmark meeting in Canada's capital today between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has set the stage for a new, dynamic era of bilateral cooperation. The official visit, the first ever by a sitting Croatian Prime Minister to Canada, concluded with significant agreements aimed at bolstering defence capabilities, expanding economic ties, and reinforcing a shared commitment to transatlantic security.

Rooted in strong people-to-people connections, the partnership between the two nations is now rapidly evolving into a strategic alliance. The discussions underscored a relationship maturing well beyond cultural affinity, marked by staggering economic growth and a shared vision for addressing global challenges. The outcomes of this historic summit signal a future of deepened collaboration in high-tech manufacturing, critical resource development, and collective security.

A New Era in Defence and Technology

The centerpiece of the summit is a groundbreaking commercial agreement between Canada’s Remote Robotic and Croatia’s Orqa to expand drone manufacturing within Canada. This strategic procurement is a major step forward in modernizing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and strengthening the nation's sovereign defence industrial base. Orqa, a leader in first-person view (FPV) drone technology, brings world-class expertise in artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to the partnership, promising to equip the CAF with cutting-edge equipment for training and operations.

This agreement is more than just a procurement deal; it represents a significant investment in Canada's high-tech sector, poised to create high-paying, sustainable careers for Canadians in engineering, software development, and advanced manufacturing. By onshoring the production of this critical technology, Canada not only enhances its military capabilities but also stimulates domestic innovation and economic growth.

The leaders also discussed Canada's ambitious plan to establish a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. This institution, a key pillar of Prime Minister Carney's new Defence Industrial Strategy, is designed to provide dedicated financing for national security and defence projects. By creating a new funding mechanism, the bank aims to accelerate the development and acquisition of advanced technologies like those produced by the Remote Robotic-Orqa partnership, ensuring Canada's defence sector can operate at the forefront of innovation and remain globally competitive.

Fueling Economic Growth: Beyond the 500% Surge

The defence agreement is a powerful symbol of a much broader economic story unfolding between Canada and Croatia. Bilateral trade has exploded over the past decade, growing by an astonishing 500%, with a remarkable 33% increase in the last year alone. This summit has laid the groundwork to build on that powerful momentum, with both leaders agreeing to deepen partnerships across several strategic sectors.

Chief among these are critical minerals and energy. In a world increasingly focused on securing stable supply chains for the green and digital economies, this collaboration is particularly timely. Canada, with its vast mineral resources, and Croatia, a strategic gateway to European markets, are natural partners in developing secure and responsible value chains for minerals essential for batteries, electronics, and renewable technologies. This cooperation will not only drive economic prosperity but also enhance the strategic autonomy of both nations and their allies.

Furthermore, the agreement to deepen partnerships in energy and general commerce opens new avenues for investment and trade. From collaborating on renewable energy projects to facilitating market access for a wide range of goods and services, the expanding economic relationship promises to deliver tangible benefits, creating jobs and fostering innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.

Forging a United Transatlantic Front

This historic meeting took place against a backdrop of global uncertainty, making the reaffirmation of the Canada-Croatia alliance more significant than ever. Both Prime Ministers underscored their shared commitment to transatlantic security and their unwavering support for Ukraine. Through ongoing military and humanitarian assistance, both Canada and Croatia have demonstrated a firm resolve to defend democratic values and the principles of international law.

By strengthening their bilateral ties, the two nations are also reinforcing the broader NATO alliance. The partnership serves as a model of how like-minded countries can work together to enhance collective security and present a united front against aggression. The discussions in Ottawa highlighted a shared understanding that in an interconnected world, security and prosperity are indivisible. This fortified alliance contributes to a more stable and predictable international order, benefiting not only Canada and Croatia but the entire transatlantic community.

The summit between Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Plenković was more than a diplomatic formality; it was the formal launch of a forward-looking, strategic partnership. Building on a foundation of shared history and values, this enhanced collaboration in defence, technology, and trade will undoubtedly unlock new opportunities and foster greater prosperity and security for both Canadians and Croatians for years to come.