We had the privilege of attending one of the most significant defense events in the Balkans region — the 8th Adriatic Sea Defense & Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (ASDA 2025), held at the impressive Arena Zagreb. This premier military expo gathered over 120 companies from 28 countries, showcasing the latest advancements in defense technology, aerospace, and tactical innovation.
Walking into the Arena felt like entering the most fortified zone in the region. From battle tanks and howitzers to high-tech drones and simulation systems, the ASDA floor pulsed with power, precision, and potential. The event was officially opened by the Croatian Minister of Defense, Ivan Anušić, who announced Croatia’s strategic goal of raising defense spending to 3% of its GDP by 2030 — a strong signal of the country’s commitment to strengthening its armed forces and defense industry.
Outdoor Highlights – Armor and Artillery
The outdoor section of ASDA 2025 drew massive attention, led by none other than the formidable Leopard 2A8 tank — widely regarded as the most modern main battle tank in service today. This 65-ton war machine, supplied by KNDS, is part of Croatia’s recent procurement from Germany, and it stole the spotlight with its raw presence and advanced features.
The German giant was joined by U.S. artillery systems, including the M270 MLRS and the wheeled M142 HIMARS, both of which reinforce Croatia’s strategic alignment with NATO allies. The Croatian Army also showed off its own modern firepower, including the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and various support units.
Turkish Presence Stronger Than Ever
The indoor exhibits boasted a record-breaking number of Turkish defense companies, reflecting deepening military cooperation between Croatia and Turkey. Unmanned aerial systems dominated the show, with the renowned company Baykar presenting the Kizilelma stealth drone, a cutting-edge platform that captured the attention of military officials and enthusiasts alike.
Turkish naval shipbuilders also displayed future vessels intended for the Turkish and potentially Croatian navies. Discussions are already underway for Croatia to acquire Ada-class corvettes, a move that would significantly boost its maritime capabilities.
Additionally, MKE, another Turkish defense leader, showcased a wide range of ammunition from 9mm to 155mm, signaling the next phase in establishing Croatia’s first domestic ammunition factory.
Croatian Defense Industry on the Rise
ASDA 2025 featured the highest number of Croatian defense exhibitors to date, with HS Produkt and ORQA drawing the most attention.
- HS Produkt unveiled its new Kuna submachine gun, available in 9mm and .45 S&W, already sold to Brazilian police special units. The company hinted at a civilian carbine version pending legal approval, while maintaining focus on arming Croatian military and police special units.
- ORQA, based in Osijek, signed new deals with multiple international partners, further cementing its leadership in military FPV drone development. Their drone systems are expected to be integrated with Baykar’s latest TB-3 UAV, a major step forward in drone interoperability between Croatian and Turkish defense sectors.
Not to Be Overlooked: Slovenia and Israel
Slovenian companies stood out in the fields of military communication systems and drone development, showcasing innovations in tactical and operational comms that rival their global counterparts.
Meanwhile, Israeli defense firms presented the newest iterations of interceptor missile systems and next-gen UAVs, continuing their legacy of cutting-edge tech in asymmetric warfare and air defense.
Experiencing the Future of Warfare – Simulations in Action
No defense expo would be complete without hands-on simulators, and ASDA 2025 delivered. Attendees had the chance to fire simulated Javelin anti-tank missiles, launch Mistral air defense systems, and even pilot a warship from a mock-up command bridge — bringing battlefield realism into the exhibition hall.
Final Thoughts from Combat Operators
From heavy armor to unmanned stealth drones, and from cutting-edge simulators to bilateral defense deals, ASDA 2025 proved to be a hub of innovation, diplomacy, and strategic cooperation. For Combat Operators, this event wasn’t just about showcasing weapons — it was about witnessing the future of defense technology unfold right before our eyes.
The growing presence of Croatian and regional companies signals a promising trend — the Balkans are rising as a serious player in the global defense arena.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you exclusive coverage, analysis, and stories from the frontline of global defense innovation.
