by croatiaweek
April 24, 2026
in
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
ZAGREB, 24 April 2026 – The Croatian Navy has successfully carried out four simultaneous military exercises across the Adriatic Sea, coastline and inland training grounds, demonstrating a high level of operational readiness and joint force capability.
The exercises – Barakuda 26, Prstac 26, Brancin 26 and Zrcalo 26 – took place from 21 to 23 April and involved multiple units of the Croatian Armed Forces.
Their primary aim was to test and enhance operational capabilities, improve planning processes and assess the level of achieved readiness across all participating units.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
The drills were conducted in the central Adriatic, including the military training areas of Žirje and Zvizdulja, the island of Žirje, the Zečevo military site, and coastal surveillance stations stretching from Savudrija to Molunat. A smaller portion of the training was held at the “Josip Markić” military range in Knin.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
The exercises included the majority of Croatian Navy vessels and featured live-fire exercises targeting surface threats at sea. The training cycle was also joint in nature, involving aircraft from the Croatian Air Force and units of the Croatian Army.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Barakuda 26, led by the Croatian Navy Fleet, focused on planning and executing maritime operations. Key elements included anti-surface and air defence, mine warfare, amphibious operations, maritime interception and at-sea replenishment. Signal exercises and force protection drills were also conducted.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Fleet Commander Captain Antun Flegar highlighted the professionalism of participants, noting a high level of knowledge, skills and determination among all involved.
Prstac 26, carried out by the Croatian Coast Guard, concentrated on operational tasks such as tactical manoeuvring, search and rescue, inspection of suspicious vessels, fisheries control and towing disabled ships. The exercise also included live-fire drills conducted both day and night.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Commodore Milan Blažević, Commander of the Coast Guard, expressed satisfaction with the results, particularly the professionalism of personnel and the successful integration of newly introduced rigid inflatable boats, which have been in service for less than two months.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Zrcalo 26, conducted by the Coastal Surveillance and Guidance Battalion, tested the ability to provide continuous surveillance, communication, information and cyber support to naval operations. The exercise covered a wide coastal area and key monitoring stations.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Meanwhile, Brancin 26, organised by the Naval Base Split, focused on delivering comprehensive logistical support to all participating units, ensuring the smooth execution of operations across all domains.