The Exercise “Kuna 18“, conducted in the Training Range “Eugen Kvaternik“ on 12 June 2018 demonstrated the integrated and synchronised operation of the OH-58 D Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helixopters and of 2000 Panzer Howitzers. The members of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade of the Croatian Army, supported by the  Croatian Air Force, the Guards Mechanised Brigade and the Artillery and Rocket Regiment on 12 June 2018 conducted a live-fire exercise “Kuna“  in realistic conditions offered by the Training Range “Eugen Kvaternik” near Slun in realistic condicitoj; the Exercise demonstrated the integrated capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces. Primarily through integrated and synchronised operation of the OH-58 D Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance hellicopters and the combat performance of the 2000 Panzer Howitzers as artillery support to manoeuvering forces executing the attack. The objective of the Exercise was to upgrade the level of operational capabilities of the Command and units of the Croatian Army for the conduct of full spectrum operations and joint operation of the manoeuvre units and combat support units. It also served to display trainedness and preparedness of the units  for quick and efficent execution of combat tasks.

The Commander of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier General Denis Tretinjak, the executive officer for the conduct of the“Kuna 18“  acounted the Exercise scenario: “The scenario featured an aggression on the Republic of Croatia, and the home forces executed movement to the contact.  Assuming that the aggressor was weaker the home forces launched an attack to neutrallise him, with combat support to gain  control over the area of operations and to secure the road  Slunj – Korenica. The Kiowa Warrior helicopters provided support to the land forces.   The Exercise “Kuna 18“, which was observed by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov, also served as a preparation for the Exercise “Velebit 18“, to take place in October 2018. “Our objective was to demonstrate new capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces, primarily the integration of the capabilities of the Kiowa Warrior helicopters, the 2000 Panzer Howitzers and  functions such as  intelligence in the battlefield. The members have really mastered the operation of the new helicopters and Howitzers quickly; assisted by other support elements in this inter-branch exercise. The tank gunners hit precisely, the artillery – the Howitzers – had an important role, as did the engineers and other combat support elements“, said General Šundov, congratulating all participants and commanders on the efficient planning and conduct of the Exercise. The Chief of the General Staff also reminded that the Croatian Armed Forces successfully carried out all assigned activities, ranging from the assistance to the civilian population the engagement in international missions and operations, contributing to the stability and peace  in the world to defence of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia as its main mission.

All core military capabilities will be demonstrated in the Exercise “Velebit 18“ – the joint inter.service and inter-command exercise “Velebit 18“. The Deputy Commander of the Croatian Army, Brigadier General Boris Šerić  congratulated the participants on the demonstrated trainedness and co-ordinated unit operation and combat functions. “The importance of this exercise lies in inaugural demonstration of new capabilities of the Croatian Army and of the Croatian Air Force, with the support from the Support Command. Furthermore, all participating forces displayed high trainedness and operational capability. As the biggest value of the exercise, we have seen inter-service joint operation of the land and aerial forces.  ”From what we saw in “Kuna 18“, it is clear that “Velebit 18“ will be even more comprehensive and with major challenge involved“. General Šerić announced continued modernisation and equipping with new assets  to enhance the overall combat power of the Croatian Army units. “The Croatian Army is today equipped with modern assets and weapons and has achieved commendable trainedness operational readiness and is the backbone of the Croatian Armed Forces, a guarantor of the sovereignty and a credible partner to conduct missions and operations with“. The Comamnder of the Guards Armoured MEchanised Brigade, Brigadier General Denis Tretinjak, said the members worked hard to to demonstrate all capabilities of the Croatian Army at all platforms“.

The Exercise “Kuna“, which was the main training event, aimed at increasing the interoperability of the Croatian Army units  in battalion-level combat, demonstrated integrated operation of fire by the  manoeuvre and support elements, the fire and manoeuvre direction and synchronised operation aimed at thwarting the deployment of enemy forces. Other participating units were the NBC Defence Battalion, Signal Battalion, Engineer Regiment, Air Defence Regiment, Support Command and Combat Training Centre. The Exercise “Kuna 18“ engaged 587 members of the Croatian Army, 14  M-84 tanks, 14 BVP M-80A vehicles, four Patria AMVs, eight 2000 Panzer Howitzers,  four D-30 Howitzers, two Kiowa  armed re connaissance helicopters and two Strijela 10CRO self-propelled air defence system. Major Dražen Musić, Commander of the Self-propelled Howitzer Battalion: “Our objective in the Exercise “Kuna 18“ was to provide artillery preparation and support to the attack efforts. We also displayed the manoeuvre capabilities of the Panzer Howitzers (movement and fire) “