NATO warship arrives in Split
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: HRM)
Split, 16 January 2026 – The command ship of NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), the Italian Navy frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F591), arrived in the Port of Split on Friday, 16 January 2026, where it will remain docked until 19 January 2026.
The visit forms part of NATO’s ongoing maritime presence in the Adriatic and highlights continued cooperation between the Croatian Navy (HRM) and allied naval forces.
During its stay in Split’s city port, the SNMG2 ship and crew will take part in a series of planned activities, including a PASSEX exercise (tactical manoeuvring and communication exercise) with a Croatian Navy vessel. Such exercises are designed to enhance interoperability, communication, and operational readiness among allied navies.
The programme also includes an official visit by the ship’s crew to the Croatian Navy Command, further strengthening professional and operational ties.
As part of the visit, the Commander of the Croatian Navy Fleet, Captain (OF-5) Antun Flegar, received Commodore Cristiano Nardone, Commander of NATO’s SNMG2, along with his delegation, at the Croatian Navy Command headquarters.
(Photo: HRM)
During the meeting, both sides emphasised the successful cooperation to date and underlined the importance of continuing joint activities to maintain and further develop maritime capabilities and readiness at sea.
About ITS Virginio Fasan
The ITS Virginio Fasan is a modern, multi-role frigate of the Italian Navy, in active service since late 2013. The vessel is 144.6 metres long, 19.7 metres wide, with a draught of 8.7 metres, and can reach a maximum speed of 27 knots.
(Photo credit: Dohness/CC BY-SA 4.0)
The ship operates with a crew of 203 personnel, including 40 officers and 163 non-commissioned officers and enlisted sailors.
As the command ship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, Virginio Fasan plays a key role in NATO’s maritime security operations, contributing to collective defence, crisis response, and cooperative security across the Mediterranean and surrounding seas.
