Croatia’s Iskra Shipyard and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have entered into a teaming agreement to pursue joint defence and civilian shipbuilding work.
The companies said the framework includes potential cooperation on future Croatian Navy programmes, including the planned programme for new multi-purpose corvettes. Its scope also encompasses military, commercial and specialised vessels.
The partners intend to combine the production and engineering capabilities of Iskra Shipyard with HHI’s experience in building warships and commercial ships, as well as offshore structures.
The companies identified knowledge and technology transfer, local supplier development and improved Croatian and European shipbuilding competitiveness as aims. They also envisage an industrial network linking research institutions, educational organisations, technology companies, domestic equipment manufacturers and shipyards.
Croatia’s defence ministry publicly described the corvette procurement process as underway in January 2025. At the handover of coastal patrol boat Umag, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the government had begun procuring a multipurpose corvette-type vessel.
In a May 2026 interview published by Croatia’s defence ministry, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Tihomir Kundid said a corvette would improve the navy’s operational and combat capabilities and support protection of Croatian interests in the Adriatic.