PHOTOS: French Navy ship FS LOIRE (A602) arrives in Split

(Photo: HRM)

The multipurpose logistics vessel FS LOIRE of the French Navy arrived at the Lora naval base in Split on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, as part of planned bilateral military cooperation activities with the Croatian Navy.

The vessel will remain in Split until 28 February 2026.

The visit underscores the strong and ongoing defence partnership between Croatia and France. Marking the occasion, the French Ambassador to Croatia, Fabien Fieschi, visited the Croatian Navy.

During a formal reception, Commander of the Croatian Navy, Rear Admiral Damir Dojkić, welcomed the ambassador and presented the key tasks and operational activities of the Croatian Navy.

Both sides highlighted the high level of cooperation between the two naval forces and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration.

(Photo: HRM)

Following the vessel’s arrival and mooring at Lora, the ship’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Damien Casini, and his delegation visited the Croatian Navy Fleet.

They were received by Captain Davor Alujević, Commander of the Mine Countermeasures Division, along with his associates.

Joint Exercises at Sea

In addition to official meetings, the visit includes a series of joint training activities. Divers from the Croatian Navy Fleet will conduct exercises alongside divers from the crew of FS LOIRE.

(Photo: HRM)

Maritime training at sea is also planned in cooperation with a vessel of the Croatian Coast Guard, further strengthening interoperability and operational coordination between the two allied maritime forces.

Such engagements contribute to enhanced readiness, knowledge exchange and strengthened security cooperation in the Adriatic region.

(Photo: HRM)

About FS LOIRE

FS LOIRE (A602) is a multipurpose logistics support vessel designed to provide assistance and operational support at sea. The French Navy operates four ships of this class.

The vessel measures 67.3 metres in length, 15.8 metres in width, with a draught of five metres, and has a crew of 36 personnel.

Another vessel of the same class, FS SEINE, visited Split in 2022, reflecting the continued maritime engagement between the two nations.