Croatia plans to acquire its most powerful warships ever

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After major investments in its Army and Air Force, Croatia is now turning its attention to modernising its Navy.

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić recently confirmed that plans are underway to purchase two to three multipurpose corvettes, the largest and most advanced warships in Croatia’s history.

As daily Jutarnji list writes, the Croatian Navy currently relies on ageing missile boats and patrol vessels. The new corvettes, designed for both coastal and open-sea operations, will mark a major upgrade.

These ships are expected to be equipped for anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare, offering a full range of capabilities needed for modern naval missions.

The first corvette could be delivered by 2029 or 2030. While the final model and shipbuilder have yet to be chosen, there are discussions about building part of the ships in Croatia, potentially at shipyards like Brodosplit or “3. Maj”, Jutarnji list says.

Cooperation with foreign partners such as Sweden or Turkey is also an option, ensuring the technology transfer needed to meet the high demands of the project.

Corvettes are mid-sized warships with advanced weapons and technology, including missiles, cannons, and potentially helicopters. They offer flexibility, speed, and strong defence capabilities, making them ideal for Croatia’s coastline and international missions under NATO, EU or UN flags.

Costs are high, with each ship estimated at €400–500 million. To ease the financial burden, Croatia may join a joint procurement initiative with other EU countries like Greece and Romania.

This would lower costs and possibly open access to European Defence Fund support.

Building these corvettes would not only strengthen Croatia’s maritime security but also boost its shipbuilding industry. It would mark a step towards developing a stronger, more independent naval force.

However, experts warn that the Navy must avoid settling for lightly armed patrol ships disguised as corvettes. Full combat capability is crucial if Croatia is serious about defending its maritime interests and contributing meaningfully to international missions.

There is also growing awareness that future naval strength will depend heavily on unmanned systems like drones and autonomous boats. Croatia’s long coastline, full of islands and narrow passages, is ideal for deploying such technology. Investing in drones would offer a powerful, cost-effective way to defend the Adriatic.