The US donation, worth US$ 5.52 million, consists of 13 light armoured vehicles, the weaponry that goes along with them, maintenance equipment, and telecommunication devices.

The Croatian army has so far received from the USA military aid in the amount of US$ 70 million, including 20 million for this year. A similar shipment of Humvees will be delivered in spring 2012 as part of the military assistance for 2011.

Ambassador Foley said that his country was proud to be Croatia's ally in NATO and appreciated having found in Croatia such a committed and capable ally.

He added that upon entering NATO Croatia had not stopped meeting the alliance's requirements, but had done its best to continue doing it and strengthening its contribution.

That must convince EU countries to recognise the country which wants to become a part of international organisations, which responds to challenges, meets expectations and whose behaviour is above standard. That is the experience of allies with Croatia in NATO, said Foley.

Thanking the US administration and Congress for the donation, Bozinovic said that Croatian soldiers would as of now undergo training with their own vehicles also in Croatia, instead of in Germany or in the field in Afghanistan.

This is an example of how modernisation is possible also in times of crisis and is clear proof of our partnership with the USA, said Bozinovic.

After the handover ceremony at the Croatian Defence Ministry, Bozinovic took Foley for a drive in one of the Humvees, which were developed by the US army for use in difficult terrain where they can develop a speed of up to 113 kmph.