Croatian Navy Commissions Second Coastal Patrol Ship

The Croatian Navy has officially added the “Umag” (OOB-32), its second Omiš-class coastal patrol ship, to its fleet. A handover and naming ceremony took place in Split, marking a significant milestone for the navy. The Umag will enhance the navy’s capabilities in maritime surveillance and protection missions, crucial for safeguarding Croatia’s territorial waters.

Background and Significance

The Umag is part of a broader initiative to modernize the Croatian Navy’s Inshore Patrol Vessel fleet. This project stems from a contract signed in December 2014 between the Croatian defense ministry and Brodosplit Shipyard. The agreement includes the construction of five Omiš-class vessels, valued at 385 million kuna (approximately $54.6 million). The ship is named after the city of Umag, located in western Croatia, which is often referred to as the “gateway to Europe.”

During the ceremony, Croatian Navy Commander Damir Dojkić emphasized the importance of the Umag, stating it represents the pride of the Croatian Navy and plays a vital role in maintaining the country’s borders and unity. The addition of this patrol ship is expected to bolster the navy’s operational capabilities and enhance maritime security in the region.

Delayed Deliveries

The delivery of the Omiš-class vessels has faced several delays. Initially, the contract outlined that all five ships would be delivered by 2017. However, the timeline was not met. The lead ship, “Omiš,” began construction in September 2015, was launched in 2017, and was officially handed over to the navy in December 2018.

Construction of the remaining vessels commenced in 2020. The second ship, Umag, and the third vessel, “Karlobag,” had their keels laid in September 2020. Shortly after, the fourth and fifth ships, “Opatija” and “Skradin,” followed suit. These delays have extended the timeline for the full fleet’s operational readiness, but the addition of the Umag marks a significant step forward for the Croatian Navy.

Specifications of the Umag

The Umag shares many characteristics with its predecessor, measuring 43 meters (141 feet) in length and 8 meters (26 feet) in width. It is designed to accommodate a crew of 17 members. The ship is powered by two propulsion engines, delivering a total of 7,000 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of 28 knots (51 kilometers or 32 miles per hour).

In terms of armament, the Umag is equipped with a remote-controlled weapons station featuring an automatic 30-millimeter cannon. Additionally, it has two manually operated 12.7-millimeter machine guns and four handheld portable anti-aircraft missile systems. These features enhance the ship’s defensive and offensive capabilities, making it a formidable asset for the Croatian Navy in its maritime operations.

Source: thedefensepost.com

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