Missile Corvette 'Šibenik' Docks in Split
Citizens and officials toured the legendary ship that took part in Operations 'Maslenica', 'Bljesak', and 'Oluja', arriving in the city for the 31st anniversary of 'Oluja'.
Citizens and officials toured the legendary ship that took part in Operations 'Maslenica', 'Bljesak', and 'Oluja', arriving in the city for the 31st anniversary of 'Oluja'.
This morning, on Split's West Bank, among the lavish yachts, the imposing silhouette of a warship drew special attention. It is the Croatian Navy's missile corvette RTOP-21 "Šibenik", which docked in the city as part of the program marking Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation "Oluja".
The ship, steeped in history, was toured by Split's mayor Tomislav Šuta, the Split-Dalmatia County prefect Blaženko Boban, representatives of veterans' associations, and numerous other guests. During the tour, they learned about the ship's technical specifications and its key role in the creation of the modern Croatian Navy.
Built in 1977 at the Kraljevica Shipyard, the ship initially sailed under the Yugoslav Navy flag with the designation RTOP-402. Its fate took a turn at the beginning of the Homeland War when it was undergoing overhaul at the Šibenik shipyard and came into Croatian hands. It was officially commissioned into the Croatian Navy on September 28, 1991, when it received its current name, "Šibenik".
During the war, "Šibenik" tirelessly protected Croatia's territorial waters and provided crucial support to Croatian forces in the Šibenik and southern Croatia areas. Its role was also pivotal in securing the southern Adriatic during the major military-police operations "Maslenica", "Bljesak", and "Oluja".
The missile corvette is nearly 45 meters long, 8.4 meters wide, with a full displacement of about 260 tons. It can reach speeds of up to 40 knots and carries a crew of around thirty Croatian Navy personnel. As for armament, it is equipped with a bow-mounted Bofors gun of 57 mm caliber and a six-barreled AK-630M gun of 30 mm caliber, and it is also designed to carry RBS-15B anti-ship missiles.
The arrival of "Šibenik" carries additional symbolism. According to initial announcements, another ship, RTOP-12 "Kralj Dmitar Zvonimir", was to be displayed on the West Bank, but the program was later changed. Thus, it is precisely "Šibenik", the ship that directly participated in the defense of Croatia's south, that has become one of the most striking symbols of this year's commemoration of the 31st anniversary of "Oluja" in Split, reminding everyone of the courage and sacrifice of the Homeland War.
