Croatian Navy Moves Forward With Warship Acquisition
The Croatian Navy plans to procure two corvettes at an estimated cost of between 660 million euros ($768 million) and 1.6 billion euros ($1.86 billion).
Once acquired, the warships will be the largest vessels in the navy’s fleet, which currently consists of five missile boats and six patrol vessels.
According to Croatian news outlet Jutarnji, the Croatian Ministry of Defence is in discussions with up to 12 shipyards from eight countries that have met the preliminary requirements to build the vessels.
Likely Contenders
The shortlisted shipyards are from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Turkey (two shipyards), Spain, and the US. Likely contenders include Italy’s Fincantieri, the Netherlands’ Damen, Germany’s Lürssen, and South Korea’s Hyundai.
Among the proposed designs, Turkey’s low-cost MİLGEM ADA-class corvette and South Korea’s larger, heavier light frigate stand out, alongside France’s Gowind, Germany’s K-130, Italy’s EPC and Al Zubarah, the Netherlands’ Sigma, Spain’s Avante 2200, and the US Littoral Combat Ship.
The vessels would displace between 1,000 and 3,500 tons and measure roughly 80 to 120 meters (262 to 394 feet) in length, with multiple configuration options.
To Defend the Adriatic Sea
The new corvettes are expected to strengthen the navy’s anti-submarine and air-defense capabilities for operations in the Adriatic Sea, Jutarnji reported, citing defense expert Matija Blaće.
In terms of armament, the corvettes are expected to carry anti-ship missiles, short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, medium-caliber naval guns, automatic cannons, and heavy machine guns for close-in defense, as well as torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare.
Some designs may also support helicopter operations and incorporate stealth features to reduce radar signatures, further boosting operational flexibility.
