Admiral Robert Hranj joins IADSS global advisory board

Former Croatian Chief of Defence Admiral Robert Hranj has joined the 18-member Global Advisory Board of the Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems Summit, adding senior NATO, force-development and strategic-planning experience as the defense sector grapples with autonomous systems and governance questions.

Why it matters: - Admiral Robert Hranj’s appointment adds high-level military experience to a global forum focused on intelligent, autonomous and unmanned defense systems. - The move comes as governments and defense institutions weigh how to balance faster technology adoption with human control, accountability and governance. - The board brings together 18 military, strategic, academic and technology experts from 13 countries.

What happened: - Admiral Robert Hranj (Retd) was selected to serve on the Global Advisory Board of the Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems Summit. - The appointment places the former Chief of Defence of the Croatian Armed Forces on an international board of 18 experts from 13 countries. - Hranj served more than four decades in the Croatian military before joining the advisory board.

The details: - Hranj previously held senior roles including Commander of the Croatian Navy, Chief of Staff and Chief of Defence of the Croatian Armed Forces. - His background includes operational command, defense policy, NATO integration, force development and strategic military planning. - Early in his career, Hranj worked as a surface warfare officer with combat experience and encountered unmanned maritime and air systems. - Hranj now focuses on the strategic and operational implications of intelligent, autonomous and unmanned systems. - His current interests include operational concepts, doctrine, force design, command and control, capability requirements and defense investment priorities. - Hranj said rapid technological change is transforming military capabilities and the way armed forces must think, organize, innovate and adapt. - Hranj said intelligent, autonomous and unmanned systems offer major opportunities, but development must include responsible governance, human accountability and sound operational concepts. - Hranj said smaller countries can contribute through agility, innovation and by identifying specific areas where they can make an impact. - The United Nations Secretary-General and the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross have renewed calls for states to act on autonomous weapon systems, emphasizing human control, accountability and international frameworks.

Between the lines: - The advisory board reflects a broader defense-industry push to build international consensus around emerging military technologies. - IADSS is positioning itself as a dialogue platform, not a policymaking body, which may make it easier for governments, militaries and industry to participate. - The emphasis on governance signals that autonomous defense systems are now being debated as much for oversight risk as for battlefield capability.

What's next: - IADSS will use its Global Summit Series, hosted across multiple countries, to convene governments, armed forces, policymakers, defense experts, research institutions and industry. - The summit series will focus on knowledge exchange, operational lessons and the opportunities and challenges of emerging defense technologies. - The IADSS Network and Directory will extend year-round engagement across the international defense community. - Great Minds Event Management in Dubai organizes IADSS. - More information is available at the company's website and GME Events.

The bottom line: - Hranj’s addition gives IADSS a senior Croatian and NATO-linked voice at a moment when autonomous defense technology is advancing faster than the rules around it.