The Commander of the Croatian Navy (HRM), Rear Admiral Predrag Stipanović, stated on Wednesday in Split during the ceremony marking the Day of the HRM and the 26th anniversary of its establishment that the Croatian Navy must modernize, primarily by introducing coastal patrol vessels, although he acknowledges the limiting financial situation.
“It is indisputable that the Croatian Navy must modernize,” emphasized Stepanović at the ceremony on the western part of Split’s Riva.
According to him, one of the most important projects is the construction of coastal patrol vessels for the Coast Guard.
“The completion of the prototype coastal patrol vessel, which we expect to be handed over and introduced into operational use by the end of this year, will be a boost to this ongoing process,” said Stipanović. He stated that technology and equipment are not the key to success, but rather “investment in human resources is a crucial element in the development of the HRM’s capabilities.”
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He highlighted that he is aware that financial resources are limited.
“However, I find it necessary to emphasize the need for additional efforts to secure greater financial resources in the area of maintaining existing vessels and equipment to ensure our operational availability, all with the aim of executing assigned missions and tasks,” said Stipanović.
He warned that today’s threats to maritime security are very complex and pose new challenges for which adequate responses must be found.
“The adoption of the National Security Strategy has initiated the process of adapting defense capabilities aimed at responding to new security challenges and potential threats. The HRM will play a very significant and responsible role in this process to ensure the security and stability of the Adriatic Sea, together with all state administration bodies operating at sea, as well as NATO and EU partners, while also contributing to stability and security in the Mediterranean,” said Stipanović. He emphasized that the unwavering commitment of the Republic of Croatia to collective defense and Euro-Atlantic integration “determines the clear position of the Croatian Navy and its path towards joint naval forces for operations in the Mediterranean.
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The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, General Mirko Šundov, emphasized that the Croatian Navy is no longer focused solely on defending its own coast but also meets demanding criteria and tasks in international maritime operations.
“The Croatian Navy must continue to develop its capabilities, considering the complex security situation in the Mediterranean and the unpredictability of its further development,” Šundov stated.
According to him, the HRM must have the capabilities necessary to protect sovereignty and to monitor and protect the rights and interests of the Republic of Croatia at sea. “The priority of equipping and modernizing the Croatian Navy is the development of Coast Guard capabilities through the equipping of coastal patrol vessels, the development of naval infantry capabilities, and the development of rapid force deployment capacities,” Šundov believes. He stated that the construction of coastal patrol vessels also serves to strengthen the economy by engaging domestic manufacturers.
“The Armed Forces will continue with planned modernization projects, which will provide us with new platforms for efficiency, monitoring, and response to all maritime threats, as well as participation in NATO and EU operations and exercises,” Šundov said.
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Reflecting on Croatia’s historical tradition, he noted that upon arriving on the Adriatic coast in the 7th century, the Croats “understood what treasure they needed to protect.” The Day of the Croatian Navy is celebrated on September 18 in memory of the date in 887 when Croatian Prince Branimir defeated the Venetian fleet in the battle near Makarska.
The 26th anniversary of the establishment of the HRM is celebrated in memory of the establishment of the Croatian Navy in September 1991.
Members of the Croatian Navy were awarded decorations, promotions, awards, and commendations, marking the end of the ceremony celebrating the Day of the HRM.
On the occasion of the Day of the HRM, a day earlier, a mass was held for fallen Croatian defenders at the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and a concert by the HRM’s choir “Sveti Juraj,” the HRM Orchestra, and guests was held on Split’s Riva.
