Croatian Defense Industry Explores New Partnerships During AHK-Organized Defence Roadshow 2026 in Germany

A Croatian business delegation comprising 15 companies visited leading German defense and technology companies during Defence Roadshow 2026, organized by the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK). The three-day program took place from October 19 to 21, 2026, across the German federal states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, providing Croatian businesses with opportunities to explore advanced technologies, exchange expertise and identify potential areas for industrial cooperation.

The delegation brought together companies from Croatia's defense, engineering, manufacturing, digital technology and industrial sectors: Altpro d.o.o., B.R.O.S.S. Tehnika d.o.o., Comsysto Reply d.o.o., CroCon d.o.o., CROZ d.o.o., Đuro Đaković Specijalna vozila d.d., Elektroda Zagreb d.o.o., Hörmann Hrvatska d.o.o., IGR d.o.o., IMS Gear Croatia d.o.o., KONČAR Digital d.o.o., Multinorm d.o.o., S + B Systemtechnik d.o.o., Sky Fort Systems d.o.o. and Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles d.o.o.

Organized by AHK, the initiative aimed to strengthen business connections between Croatian companies and Germany's established defense industry, while providing insight into industrial capabilities, supplier requirements and opportunities for future cross-border partnerships.

Visits to HENSOLDT, Helsing and Rohde & Schwarz Highlight Defense Technology Innovation

The first day of the program focused on advanced defense technologies, with visits to HENSOLDT, Helsing and Rohde & Schwarz in the Munich area.

At HENSOLDT, the delegation was introduced to technologies covering naval defense, land systems modernization and airborne solutions for air defense. The company specializes in sensors, radar systems, optronics and electronic technologies supporting military and security applications across multiple operational domains.

The visit to Helsing focused on artificial intelligence in defense, autonomous systems, digital military technologies, European supply chain resilience and dual-use applications. These areas are becoming increasingly important as European defense organizations seek to strengthen technological capabilities and improve operational effectiveness.

At Rohde & Schwarz, discussions covered secure communications, electronic intelligence, electronic warfare, radar and sensor technologies, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Critical infrastructure protection and European technological sovereignty were also among the subjects addressed during the visit.

Together, these meetings offered the Croatian participants an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of emerging technologies and explore potential links between German defense manufacturers and Croatia's industrial and technology sectors.

AHK Connects Croatian Companies with Germany's Defense Industrial Ecosystem

On October 20, the delegation visited the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), where participants received an overview of Bavaria's security and defense ecosystem.

The discussions addressed regional initiatives supporting the defense industry, regulatory frameworks, incentives and opportunities for international cooperation. The visit also provided insight into the business environment in one of Germany's major industrial regions.

The program continued at KNDS, a leading European manufacturer of land defense systems. Participants learned about land systems, European defense cooperation, industrial production processes and supplier requirements.

These topics were particularly relevant to the Croatian companies participating in the AHK-organized delegation. Understanding the procurement, production and quality requirements of established European manufacturers can help companies assess opportunities to contribute their expertise, products and services to international industrial projects.

By bringing together businesses from different areas of Croatian industry, the delegation also highlighted the range of capabilities that could support future cooperation, from specialized manufacturing and engineering to digital technologies and industrial systems.

Rheinmetall Visit Focuses on Manufacturing and Supplier Opportunities

The final day of Defence Roadshow 2026 included a visit to Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH in Oberndorf am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg.

The delegation was introduced to the company's medium-caliber weapons competence center, including the production of BK27 and MK30-E/ABM weapon systems, weapon barrels and components, as well as assembly processes.

Supplier opportunities and industrial cooperation were also part of the program. The visit provided insight into the manufacturing capabilities and industrial processes supporting a major European defense manufacturer.

Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles d.o.o. was among the Croatian companies participating in the delegation, alongside the other 14 businesses representing a broad range of industrial and technological expertise.

The presence of companies with different specializations underlined the potential for collaboration across the wider defense supply chain, where manufacturing, engineering, electronics, software and other technical capabilities can contribute to industrial development.

Strengthening Croatian-German Defense Industry Cooperation

Defence Roadshow 2026 provided a platform for Croatian companies to engage with leading German defense manufacturers, learn about evolving technological requirements and explore opportunities for closer industrial cooperation.

The participation of Altpro, B.R.O.S.S. Tehnika, Comsysto Reply, CroCon, CROZ, Đuro Đaković Specijalna vozila, Elektroda Zagreb, Hörmann Hrvatska, IGR, IMS Gear Croatia, KONČAR Digital, Multinorm, S + B Systemtechnik, Sky Fort Systems and Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles demonstrated the diversity of Croatian industrial and technological expertise represented in the delegation.

Through its organization of the visit, the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) supported direct engagement between Croatian businesses and Germany's defense industrial ecosystem. The program created opportunities for professional exchange, industry networking and the identification of potential areas for future cooperation.

As European countries place increasing emphasis on defense readiness, resilient supply chains and industrial capacity, stronger connections between national industries are becoming increasingly important. Initiatives such as Defence Roadshow can help Croatian companies better understand the European defense market and explore ways to contribute to its future development.