Croatian drone technology firm Orqa has signed a cooperation agreement with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings to explore localized production of unmanned systems, marking a new step in defense industry ties between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Doha on the sidelines of the DIMDEX 2026 maritime defense exhibition in the presence of Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and senior Qatari defense officials.
Orqa and Barzan Holdings said the cooperation focuses on potential partnership arrangements, including local manufacturing of Orqa’s drone systems in Qatar.
The signing formed part of Anušić’s two-day official visit to Qatar, during which he met with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, as well as Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Anušić highlighted unmanned systems as an increasingly central capability for modern militaries, describing Orqa’s products as fully European-made systems with growing demand abroad.
He added that strengthening Croatia’s defense industry also supports national security by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Croatia’s Defense Deals
The Qatar agreement comes as Croatia has expanded its defense partnerships and procurement programs over the past two years.
Zagreb pressed ahead with the introduction of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale multirole fighters, receiving aircraft under a deal signed with France to replace its legacy MiG-21 fleet and significantly upgrade its air combat capabilities.
On the land systems front, Croatia in 2023 confirmed follow-on agreements with Finland’s Patria for additional armored vehicles, supporting both operational needs and domestic industrial participation.
The country also deepened cooperation with the US through arrangements tied to the transfer and refurbishment of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, with US contractors supporting overhaul, training, and sustainment.
