Croatian shipyards have sufficient capacity and expertise to undertake projects within European defence policy, should the need arise, the Economy Ministry told Hina. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence pointed out that Croatian shipyards are already engaged in supporting the Croatian Armed Forces.
"We believe that the potential of Croatia's shipbuilding industry could also be utilised for the European defence system," the Defence Ministry stated.
Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said on Friday that Croatia has sent inquiries to NATO allies regarding the construction of two corvettes, specifically about pricing, delivery timelines, and the possibility of assembling or manufacturing parts of the ships in Croatian shipyards.
"Through discussions with their military attachés and ambassadors, we have learned that they are all willing to support efforts to have the corvettes built in our shipyards," said Anušić.
Brodosplit director Tomislav Debeljak says that the Split-based shipyard is fully equipped to build corvettes.
"Brodosplit has strategically focused on the development of vessels for security and defence purposes and has launched an offshore patrol vessel project - the BIS 91 corvette," Debeljak told Hina.
The BIS 91 corvette is designed as a multi-purpose warship capable of artillery strikes against surface, aerial, and coastal targets, as well as medium-range air defence, anti-ship, and anti-submarine operations.
It is equipped with sophisticated weapon systems, including a bow-mounted gun (76mm or 57mm), anti-aircraft missiles, long-range anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and remotely controlled cannons and machine guns.
"Brodosplit has the ability to design and build advanced vessels tailored to the needs of the European defence system," said Debeljak, adding that they can also design and construct submarines similar to the former Croatian-built submarine "Velebit".
Brodosplit could offer the market modernised versions of the "Una"-class midget submarines, for which India and Egypt have previously expressed interest, as well as R-1 and R-2 diver propulsion vehicles, Debeljak said.