Two Spanish Navy warships arrive in Croatia

SPLIT, CROATIA, 22 October 2026 – Two Spanish Navy frigates have arrived in the Croatian city of Split.

The frigates ESPS Cristóbal Colón and ESPS Navarra arrived at the Croatian Navy’s Lora naval base as part of a visit to the Croatian Navy and the city of Split.

Before the ships arrived, Croatian Navy commander Rear Admiral Damir Dojkić met Spanish defence attaché in Croatia, Captain Ricardo Valdés Fernández, at the Croatian Navy headquarters.

During the meeting, the Spanish representative was briefed on the Croatian Navy’s mission and current activities. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the talks and their intention to strengthen future bilateral defence cooperation, the Ministry of Defence said.

Following the frigates’ arrival in Split, the commander of the Spanish naval detachment, Captain Rafael Mira Calvo, and the commander of the Navarra, Commander Valentín Calvar Cerecedo, visited the Croatian Navy headquarters.

They were received by Croatian Fleet commander Captain Antun Flegar. Discussions focused on joint activities previously carried out by personnel from the two navies and plans for future cooperation.

During the visit, a Croatian Navy delegation led by Dojkić is also scheduled to tour the Cristóbal Colón and meet senior civilian and military officials aboard the ship.

Two frigates with different capabilities

The ESPS Cristóbal Colón (F-105) is the newest ship of Spain’s Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates. Built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia in Ferrol, it entered service in 2012.

The vessel measures 146.7 metres in length and 18.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 6,391 tonnes. It has a maximum speed of 28.5 knots.

The frigate is part of Spain’s modern naval fleet and is equipped for a range of naval operations.

The ESPS Navarra (F-85) belongs to the Santa María class, based on the American Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate design. It entered service in 1994.

The ship is 138.8 metres long and 14.3 metres wide, with a displacement of 3,160 tonnes. Its maximum speed is 29 knots.

The visit forms part of ongoing military cooperation between Croatia and Spain, with both navies seeking to maintain and develop joint activities and bilateral defence relations.