The Croatian Navy is a modest but professional naval force primarily focused on the defense of Croatia's territorial waters and extensive coastline in the Adriatic Sea. Established in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence, its operational doctrine and fleet composition are shaped by the geographical specifics of the Adriatic, emphasizing coastal defense, maritime surveillance, and law enforcement. The navy is structured into two main components: the Navy Flotilla, which is responsible for traditional naval warfare tasks, and the Croatian Coast Guard, which handles maritime safety, security, and the protection of national interests at sea.
The core of Croatia's naval combat capability resides in a small fleet of missile boats, which form its main offensive power. These are supplemented by patrol boats, mine countermeasures vessels, and various auxiliary and support craft. A significant aspect of its maritime capability is the coastal surveillance system, which integrates radar and observation posts along the coast to monitor maritime traffic. The navy's operational focus is inherently regional, centered on the Adriatic Sea, where it conducts sovereignty patrols, protects maritime borders, and engages in anti-smuggling and fishery protection operations. Its participation in NATO and EU-led operations, such as Operation Triton and Atalanta, demonstrates a commitment to international maritime security and provides valuable experience, extending its reach beyond the Adriatic on a mission-by-mission basis.
Croatia's maritime strategy is driven by the need to protect its vital economic interests, including tourism and maritime transport, while contributing to collective security as a NATO member. This is reflected in its current modernization efforts, which aim to replace aging, Soviet-era vessels with modern platforms. A key shipbuilding program involves the procurement of new multipurpose corvettes, which will enhance the navy's anti-ship, anti-aircraft, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. There is also an ongoing project to build new inshore patrol boats to strengthen the Coast Guard's operational capacity.
