Navantia, AITAC and Iskra Join Forces on Croatia’s Multi-Role Corvette Program
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Croatian engineering company AITAC and Iskra Shipyard in Šibenik, establishing a framework for cooperation on future naval defense projects and Croatia’s Multi-Role Corvette (MRC) program.
The agreements were signed during the DEFCROS 3 Public Security and Defense Expo in Šibenik. The cooperation is intended to create opportunities for Croatian industry to participate in engineering, shipbuilding, integration and support activities connected with the MRC program.
The partnership brings together Navantia’s experience in complex naval defense programs with AITAC’s engineering and digital capabilities and Iskra’s shipbuilding infrastructure and industrial capacity.
Cooperation Across Engineering, Shipbuilding and Support
The planned cooperation covers several areas of the MRC program, including the exchange of technical documentation, engineering data and program-related information.
AITAC is expected to contribute in areas such as ship design, digital engineering and integrated logistics support. Iskra Shipyard, meanwhile, is positioned to support industrial activities including ship construction, outfitting, installation, integration, commissioning, testing and maintenance.
The framework also provides for cooperation in the long-term maintenance and servicing of vessels once they enter operational use.
According to the companies, the objective is to increase the involvement of Croatian industry throughout the different stages of the program while combining international naval expertise with domestic engineering and shipbuilding capabilities.
Strengthening Croatia’s Naval Industrial Base
Navantia representatives described the agreements as part of the company's commitment to supporting Croatian industry and the Croatian Navy.
Alfonso Valea, Navantia’s Commercial Director for Europe, said the company intends to contribute its experience and expertise while working with Croatian partners.
AITAC General Director Marijan Lorencin highlighted the role of Croatian engineering capabilities in the MRC program, particularly in ship design, digital engineering and logistics.
Roko Vuletić, General Director of Iskra Shipyard, described the agreement as an important step in strengthening Iskra’s position in the naval defense sector. He also pointed to the company’s recent acquisition of the 3. MAJ Shipyard in Rijeka and its potential contribution to future naval projects.
The agreement establishes a framework for longer-term cooperation between Navantia and Croatian partners, with the potential to expand Croatia’s industrial participation in future naval defense programs.
Source: MorskiHR
