By Marko Barišić
The history, achievements and future of the Croatian Navy.
Modernising the Air Force and Ground Forces
In recent years, Croatia has invested significant resources into its air force. The country acquired a squadron of French Rafale fighter jets and associated weaponry. Earlier purchases included Kiowa Warrior helicopters, followed more recently by Black Hawks. Medium-range anti-aircraft systems are currently being delivered. Meanwhile, shorter-range systems have already arrived, strengthening overall defense alongside the Croatian Navy initiatives.
Substantial investments have also been directed towards the army. These include Patria armoured combat vehicles equipped with Israeli cannons and Spike missiles. The army has also received German Panzer self-propelled howitzers. New Leopard tanks are set to arrive soon. Bradley infantry fighting vehicles are being gradually refurbished. Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be joined by domestically produced drones.
The Navy’s Turn for Investment
The Croatian Navy, however, has been somewhat neglected—until now. Investments were announced several years ago. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasised the need to acquire a corvette—a warship slightly smaller than a frigate but similarly armed—to serve as the navy’s command vessel.
With the Rafale jets nearly paid off, Croatia can now focus on this project, albeit under changed circumstances. Europe is pursuing an €800 billion rearmament drive, including a portion allocated to the Croatian Navy. €650 million of this will be funded through national liabilities via Eurobonds. Additionally, €150 million will be through loans from the EU budget. All funding will be at favourable interest rates, though not free. Croatia will participate according to its needs.
Financing European Rearmament
Alongside plans to build an ammunition factory and procure other weapons, Croatia has decided it requires two corvettes. As preliminarily agreed by Defence Minister Ivan Anušić with NATO partners in early March, the ships are to be built domestically. Inquiries were swiftly sent to NATO allies. They confirmed their willingness to support construction in Croatian shipyards, significantly benefiting the Croatian Navy.
Domestic Shipbuilding Capabilities
Tomislav Debeljak, head of Brodosplit, confirmed the Split-based shipyard’s readiness for the project. He highlighted their focus on developing vessels for security and defence purposes. They unveiled the BIS 91 corvette design, which has garnered public interest. The corvette will feature advanced weaponry systems aligned with the latest European standards and a helicopter landing platform. Such additions would greatly enhance the capabilities of Croatia’s naval force.
Brodosplit has already delivered two 43-metre coastal patrol vessels—Omiš and Umag—now operational within the Coast Guard. Four more are planned, with around 30 companies involved in their production.
Strengthening the Navy and Industry
The construction of corvettes would not only bolster Croatia’s naval capabilities but also boost its shipbuilding sector and related industries. Notably, the largest Croatian warship, the 54-metre missile gunboat Petar Krešimir IV—named after an 11th-century Croatian king—was built in Kraljevica shipyard near Rijeka. Enhancing the Croatian Navy sectors can generate multiple benefits for the country.
It is hoped that work will soon begin on these up-to-100-metre corvettes. These ships would enable the Croatian Navy to effectively safeguard its Adriatic waters. The safeguarding would cover waters stretching from Savudrijska Vala (the maritime border with Italy) to Prevlaka, the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.