Spanish Navy Frigates Arrive in Croatia for Bilateral Defense Talks

Two Spanish Navy frigates have arrived at Croatia's Lora naval base in Split for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation between the Spanish and Croatian naval forces.

The warships, ESPS Cristóbal Colón (F-105) and ESPS Navarra (F-85), are scheduled to remain in Split from October 21 to 24, 2026, according to Croatia's Ministry of Defense.

The visit includes meetings between senior naval officers from both countries, discussions on previous joint activities and opportunities for further defense cooperation.

Spanish and Croatian Naval Commanders Discuss Cooperation

Ahead of the ships' arrival, Rear Admiral Damir Dojkić, Commander of the Croatian Navy, met with Captain Ricardo Valdés Fernández, Spain's defense attaché to Croatia.

The meeting addressed the Croatian Navy's current activities and opportunities to expand bilateral military cooperation.

Following the arrival of the two Spanish frigates, Captain Rafael Mira Calvo, commander of the Spanish naval detachment, and Commander Valentín Calvar Cerecedo, commanding officer of ESPS Navarra, met with Captain Antun Flegar, Commander of the Croatian Navy Fleet.

The officers discussed previous joint naval activities and plans for future cooperation. A Croatian Navy delegation led by Rear Admiral Dojkić was also scheduled to visit ESPS Cristóbal Colón during the port call.

Navantia-Built Cristóbal Colón and Santa María-Class Navarra

ESPS Cristóbal Colón (F-105) is an Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate constructed by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia at its Ferrol shipyard. Commissioned in 2012, the vessel measures 146.7 meters in length, displaces approximately 6,391 tonnes and can reach a maximum speed of 28.5 knots.

ESPS Navarra (F-85), commissioned in 1994, belongs to Spain's Santa María class, developed under license from the American Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate design. The vessel measures 138.8 meters in length, has a displacement of approximately 3,160 tonnes and a maximum speed of 29 knots.

Both vessels are part of Spain's surface fleet and provide a platform for naval cooperation with NATO allies, including Croatia.

The Croatian Ministry of Defense described the visit as a continuation of bilateral military relations between the two countries. No new defense procurement agreements or naval modernization contracts were announced in connection with the port call.