Military exercise "HARPUN 24", which is a key training event for the Croatian Navy (HRM), begins on October 1, 2024, in the Central Adriatic. This exercise, which encompasses a range of complex maritime operations, involves various branches of the Croatian Armed Forces, thereby further enhancing their interoperability and ability to conduct joint military operations. The main objectives of the exercise are to improve capabilities in planning and executing amphibious operations, monitoring air and maritime targets, as well as implementing protection measures for forces under real operational conditions.

Support from different branches of the Croatian military

This exercise involves not only units of the Croatian Navy but also the Croatian Air Force (HRZ), the Special Forces Command (ZSS), and the Intelligence Battalion. The importance of this exercise lies in the fact that it covers a wide spectrum of military operations, from targeting at sea and in the air, monitoring and intercepting aerial targets, to complex maritime amphibious operations that involve coordinated actions of ships, aircraft, and infantry.

The Chief of the Croatian Navy, Commodore Damir Dojkić, is leading the exercise in the role of Officer for Distribution (OSE), while Commander Željko Jakus is responsible for execution (OCE). The exercise director is Šime Matas, a captain of a naval ship and head of the HRM Training and Doctrine Department, which further emphasizes the strategic importance of this exercise for the long-term strengthening of Croatian naval forces.

Main activities during the exercise

The HARPUN 24 naval exercise includes numerous tactical activities, among which are naval gunfire targeting, amphibious operation simulations, and search and rescue operations at sea. It also involves targeting in the air, including monitoring and intercepting enemy aerial units. The exercise is conducted at key military locations, including the "Žirje" training area, which allows for a high level of realism in simulations of various combat scenarios. In this way, the Croatian Armed Forces practice procedures necessary for the successful protection of territorial waters and borders of the Republic of Croatia.

One of the key components of the exercise is the integration of different elements of force protection, from the protection of ships at sea to operations in coastal waters. Special emphasis is also placed on electronic warfare, mine countermeasure operations in shallow waters, and intelligence gathering, which further contributes to the enhancement of HRM's capabilities in countering potential threats.

Interoperability and international cooperation

The "HARPUN 24" exercise also has an international dimension, aiming to strengthen cooperation between Croatia and its NATO partners. This is a key segment that enables Croatian forces to successfully participate in international military operations and missions, whether they involve rescue operations, mine countermeasure operations, or joint maritime operations. The importance of this exercise lies in Croatia's ability to increase its military readiness and thereby contribute to collective security in the Adriatic.

One of the main goals of the exercise is the integration of forces from different branches of the Croatian Armed Forces, achieving a high level of coordination and efficiency in joint operations. This is not only an important training activity but also an opportunity to test new operational procedures and improve cooperation within and beyond national frameworks.