Originally launched as a biweekly newsletter in November 1991, it was published in that form throughout the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995).

[2] In the closing months of the war, in May 1995, Hrvatski vojnik was re-launched as a monthly military journal published alongside the ministry's new weekly newsletter titled Velebit (named after the eponymous mountain range).

In 2000 Velebit was renamed Obrana (English: Defense) and both publications underwent major changes in design and content, with a number of new sections introduced.

In October 2004 Obrana was merged back into Hrvatski vojnik, which then continued to be published weekly.

[2] Since 2001 Hrvatski vojnik has been a member of the European Military Press Association.