Croatia has initiated a competitive procurement process to purchase two new corvettes, signaling a significant upgrade of the Croatian Navy’s surface fleet. The acquisition, estimated to cost between €660 million and €1.6 billion, would introduce the navy’s largest warships to date, replacing reliance on smaller missile boats and patrol craft.
According to defense officials, the Ministry of Defence is engaging with as many as 12 shipyards across eight countries, all of which have met preliminary technical and industrial criteria. Shipbuilders from Western Europe, South Korea, Turkey, and the United States are participating, with industry leaders such as Fincantieri, Damen, Lürssen, and Hyundai viewed as strong contenders.
The selection includes a wide range of corvette and light frigate designs, reflecting Croatia’s flexibility in balancing cost, capability, and future growth potential. Turkey’s ADA-class MİLGEM corvette has emerged as a cost-effective option, while South Korea is offering a larger, more heavily armed light frigate concept. European proposals include France’s Gowind, Germany’s Braunschweig-class (K-130), Italy’s EPC, the Netherlands’ Sigma, and Spain’s Avante 2200.
The future warships are expected to displace 1,000 to 3,500 tons and measure between 80 and 120 meters in length, with modular configurations available. Once delivered, the vessels will significantly enhance Croatia’s maritime security, NATO interoperability, and blue-water operational capabilities.
