Orqa’s agreement with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings highlights the accelerating global demand for unmanned systems and the strategic value of localized defense production. Signed on the margins of the DIMDEX 2026 exhibition, the cooperation framework explores options for manufacturing Orqa’s drone technologies in Qatar, potentially boosting regional autonomy and industrial capacity. Croatian leaders underscored that unmanned platforms are becoming central to future force structures, with Orqa’s systems offering export-ready, European-sourced solutions. The deal reflects Croatia’s broader push to strengthen its defense industry while supporting operational requirements. Over the past two years, Zagreb has expanded partnerships across multiple domains, combining major acquisitions with industrial participation. The introduction of Rafale fighters has modernized Croatia’s air combat capability, while land-systems cooperation with Patria and US-backed Bradley upgrades has reinforced mechanized forces. Within this context, the Qatar partnership represents both an economic and strategic opportunity, enabling Croatia to project its defense technology abroad while helping Qatar develop local production expertise in unmanned systems.
