Croatia’s Iskra Shipyard and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a cooperation agreement to collaborate in the fields of defense and commercial shipbuilding. The primary objectives of this partnership are to exchange knowledge and technology, cultivate local Croatian suppliers, and enhance the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry in Croatia and across Europe.
Under the agreement, the scope of cooperation between the two parties covers future construction projects for the Croatian Navy—including Croatia’s planned new multi-purpose frigate program—as well as military, commercial, and specialized vessels.
Regarding specific cooperation, the two parties will integrate Iskra Shipyard’s production and engineering capabilities with HHI’s experience in the construction of naval vessels, commercial ships, and offshore facilities. Furthermore, they plan to establish an industrial network linking research and educational institutions, technology companies, domestic equipment manufacturers, and shipyards.
In January 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia publicly announced the launch of a procurement process for frigates; officials stated that the new frigates would enhance the navy’s operational capabilities and help safeguard Croatia’s interests in the Adriatic Sea.