Former European Defense Chief Steps In to Guide the Future of Autonomous Warfare
Zagreb, Monday, 26 October 2026.
Croatia’s former defense chief, Admiral Robert Hranj, has joined an elite international board to steer autonomous military technology, championing crucial human oversight as AI reshapes modern global security.
A Veteran Leader Steps into the Autonomous Defense Arena
Admiral Robert Hranj, Croatia’s recently retired Chief of Defence, has assumed a pivotal role as a member of the Global Advisory Board for the Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems Summit (IADSS). [1] The board, comprising 18 international experts, is tasked with guiding the strategic direction and technological advancement of next-generation intelligent and autonomous defense systems. [1] With four decades of military experience, including command roles in the Croatian Navy and leadership as Chief of Defence, Hranj’s appointment underscores the growing emphasis on AI-driven military technologies amid evolving security dynamics in Europe and NATO. [1]
Bridging Military Expertise with Emerging Technologies
Hranj’s career has spanned critical periods in the development and deployment of unmanned systems, particularly in maritime and aerial domains. [1] His appointment comes at a time when smaller nations like Croatia are seeking to leverage agility and innovation to contribute meaningfully to global defense advancements, despite constraints in technological scale compared to larger powers. [1] In his statement upon joining the board, Hranj emphasized the dual nature of autonomous systems: their potential to transform military capabilities while demanding responsible governance, human accountability, and robust operational frameworks. [1]
The Broader Context: Autonomous Systems and Global Security
The IADSS Global Advisory Board operates within a global landscape where the integration of autonomous and intelligent systems into military frameworks is accelerating. [1] This trend is not isolated to Croatia or Europe; it reflects a broader movement across NATO and allied nations, where unmanned platforms are increasingly viewed as force multipliers. [GPT] The United Nations Secretary-General and the International Committee of the Red Cross have both underscored the need for stringent human control and international regulatory frameworks to govern the use of autonomous weapon systems. [1] These calls align with the IADSS’s mission to foster dialogue and collaboration among military, academic, and industry stakeholders. [1]
From National Defense to Global Advisory Role
Hranj’s transition from active military service to an advisory position mirrors a broader trend among high-ranking defense officials who are leveraging their operational experience to shape the future of defense technology. [1] The IADSS, organized by Great Minds Event Management, serves as a platform for such exchanges, hosting global summits and maintaining a network of professionals dedicated to intelligent and autonomous defense systems. [1] With operations spanning multiple countries, the IADSS network aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and innovation in a field critical to modern security architectures. [1]