General Nikola Cicak (born 1956) is a Kresimirian retired military officer and industrialist who currently serves as the Chairman of Otonik Ordnance, the state-chartered arms manufacturer. Prior to his entry into the corporate sector, he served as the Councillor for War, heading the Council for Defence from 2012 to 2020.
Cicak is a central figure in the Kresimirian security establishment. His career trajectory—moving from the highest rank in the Kresimirian Army to the head of the ministry overseeing it, and finally to the chairmanship of its primary supplier—is frequently cited by the Civic Renewal Front (CRF) as the definitive example of the “revolving door” between the military and the private sector in the Divine Republic.
Early Life and Military Career
Nikola Cicak was born in 1956 in Dubica, the historic garrison town in District VI. Born into a family with a multi-generational history of service, he attended the University of Dubica-Viskogorje, graduating from the Loncar Institute for Strategy in 1978.
He was commissioned as an officer during the administration of Ante Brov. Unlike the political soldiers of the “Iron Era,” Cicak rose through the ranks during the relatively stable period of Chancellor Kresimirovic III. He gained a reputation as a logistician and a modernization advocate during the 1990s, arguing that the Kresimirian Army needed to transition from a mass-conscript force into a technologically advanced deterrent.
By 2005, he had achieved the rank of General. He was instrumental in updating the army’s doctrine to focus on asymmetric threats and border security, responding to the rise of drug trafficking from the Valkari States.
Councillor for War (2012–2020)
In 2012, following the electoral victory of Blue Dawn leader Stoyan Vasilis, Cicak was appointed Councillor for War by Chancellor Kresimirovic IV.
Modernization and Procurement
Cicak’s tenure was defined by a massive overhaul of military equipment. He presided over the “Force 2020” initiative, which saw the replacement of aging Cold War-era artillery with modern, precision-guided systems.
- The Kres-55 Modernization: Under his guidance, the Council for Defence authorized the “Mark IV” update for the standard-issue Kres-55 rifle.
- Drone Integration: Cicak worked closely with Ari Stov and YakaSys to integrate digital surveillance into border defense, laying the groundwork for the “Smart Fortress” doctrine later expanded by his successor, Marko Vukovic.
The 2018 Critical Infrastructure Act
Cicak was a key proponent of the 2018 Critical Infrastructure Protection Act. Following the Bistrica Water Protests, Cicak argued to the Assembly that attacks on energy and industrial sites were tantamount to acts of war. The passage of the act expanded the jurisdiction of the military and the Civil Order Force to protect private corporate assets like SeverMin mines, a move that drew sharp criticism from Northern Power leader Syv Iric.
Chairman of Otonik Ordnance (2020–Present)
In 2020, Cicak resigned as Councillor for War. He was immediately appointed Chairman of the Board at Otonik Ordnance, the monopoly supplier of small arms to the Kresimirian state. He was succeeded in the Council by his former protégé, General Marko Vukovic.
The “Iron Triangle” Allegations
Cicak’s move to the private sector was highly controversial. Critics noted that as Councillor, Cicak had signed lucrative procurement contracts with Otonik Ordnance just months before resigning to lead the company.
- Conflict with Maj Holdings: As Chairman, Cicak has engaged in a fierce commercial and political rivalry with Bran Maj. While Otonik relies on Maj Steel for raw materials, Cicak has aggressively blocked Maj’s attempts to enter the defense manufacturing market, using his connections in the Council for Defence to ensure Otonik retains its monopoly.
Current Role
Cicak remains a powerful figure in Sinj. He is frequently seen at high-level fundraisers for Blue Dawn and serves as an informal advisor to the Chancellory on defense matters. His leadership at Otonik has seen the company expand into the production of riot control technology and automated turret systems for the southern border.