Spain’s state-owned shipbuilder Navantia has signed cooperation agreements with Croatian companies AITAC and Iskra Shipyard to explore opportunities for joint engineering, ship construction, systems integration, and lifecycle support under Croatia’s Multi-Role Corvette program.
The agreements were signed during a defense and public security convention in Šibenik and establish a framework for potential local production, vessel integration, digital engineering, testing, and long-term fleet sustainment. The initiative aligns with Croatia’s strategy of involving domestic industry in major defense procurement programs.
Croatia plans to acquire two modern surface combatants under the program, with the overall procurement reportedly valued at up to €1.6 billion ($1.7 billion).
Under the partnership, AITAC is expected to provide digital engineering and logistics capabilities, while Iskra Shipyard would contribute its shipbuilding infrastructure and manufacturing expertise. Iskra’s recent acquisition of 3. Maj Shipyard in Rijeka could further support local vessel assembly, integration, and testing activities.
Navantia is competing against several international shipbuilders for the Croatian corvette contract. France’s Naval Group, Italy’s Fincantieri, and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have also established partnerships with Croatian companies as they position themselves for the program.
Enhancing Regional Maritime Security
The planned corvettes are expected to enhance Croatia’s ability to counter underwater, surface, and aerial threats. Proposed weapon configurations could include medium-caliber naval guns, heavy machine guns, autocannons, anti-submarine torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and air-defense missiles covering multiple engagement ranges.
The vessels are also expected to incorporate advanced stealth features and aviation facilities capable of supporting a rotary-wing aircraft, expanding their surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime security capabilities.
Once operational, the corvettes are expected to conduct missions primarily in the Adriatic Sea, the strategically important maritime corridor between the Italian Peninsula and the Balkan Peninsula. The region is also significant to NATO’s southern European logistics, maritime security, and regional defense operations.
