French corvettes could be built in Croatia

(Photo: Marine nationale/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Croatia is moving forward with plans to modernise its navy, with two advanced corvettes potentially costing between €600 million and €1.6 billion and expected to be delivered by 2030.

The Ministry of Defence is currently in discussions with 12 shipyards from eight countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Turkey, Spain and the United States.

A final contract is expected by the end of the year.

Among the leading contenders is France’s Naval Group, which has signalled strong intent through a series of cooperation agreements with key Croatian partners, Lider.hr reports.

These include shipyards Iskra and 3. MAJ Rijeka, technology firm Orqa, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Zagreb.

Under the proposal, much of the construction would take place in Croatia. Local shipyards would be responsible for building large sections of the vessels, final assembly, and long-term maintenance. Croatian companies would also contribute to advanced systems, including drone and unmanned aerial technologies, while academic institutions would support research and development.

The project is expected to generate more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs during the construction phase, with further long-term opportunities linked to maintenance, exports and continued development.

The Gowind corvette platform is already in operational use with several navies, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, while additional units are under construction in Malaysia.

Designed as a multi-role vessel, it integrates advanced sensors and weapons systems and is capable of a wide range of maritime defence and security missions.

Naval Group’s proposal is based on technology transfer and local industrial participation, aiming to strengthen Croatia’s shipbuilding sector and position it for future international projects.

Earlier agreements have also been signed with Croatian firms specialising in ship design, maritime equipment and marine robotics, reinforcing the broader industrial cooperation behind the bid.

If selected, the programme would represent a significant step in Croatia’s naval capabilities while delivering a wider economic and technological boost to the country’s maritime industry.