New Fleet ! The Yugoslavian Navy in the cold war

The case of the Yugoslavian Day in the cold war is quite interesting given the country’s defiant stance towards the USSR and culture of self-sufficience, as well as non-alinment policy. Yugoslavia was never part of the Warsaw Pact and could received ships and support (at least in the early years) from the west. If soviet procurement was a no-brainer, the country procured most of its assets, from destroyers to frigates, submarines fast attack crafts, landing ships and patrol vessels.

Yugoslavian Navy (Cold War)

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The Yugoslavian Navy (Jugoslavenska Ratna Mornarica, JRM) was the maritime branch of the armed forces of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1945 to 1992. It was established immediately after World War II, from the remnants of the Royal Yugoslav Navy and Partisan naval forces. In the early years, the navy was heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, receiving training and equipment from them. Initially, the navy comprised mainly old ships from the Royal Navy and captured Axis vessels, and had hugely ambitious but unrealistic naval plans. It also started to receive Soviet-built ships, including submarines, patrol boats, and minesweepers. Self-Reliance in 1960s started when relationed between Stalin and Tito collapsed and the country started to reduce its dependence on Soviet military aid, developing its own shipbuilding industry, including destroyers, frigates, submarines, missile boats and patrol craft.
Prior to the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1992 the navy counted several Koni-class frigates, Heroj-class submarines, and Osa-class missile boats as its main assets operating from Split, Pula, Boka Kotorska (Kotor), and Vis. It was capable if needed of operations in the Mediterranean.

At its peak, the Yugoslav Navy had a well-balanced fleet with significant offensive and defensive capabilities, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and mines. Its role was to defend Yugoslavia’s long Adriatic coastline and protect maritime trade routes. it also conducted joint exercises with other branches of the Yugoslav armed forces and sometimes foreign navies.
Breakup of Yugoslavia led to the disintegration of the Yugoslav Navy in 1992 and redistribution of naval assets among successor states. During the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995), the Navy (operated by Serbs) was involved in blockading Croatian ports and supporting land operations. Postwar these assets were mostly taken over by the newly formed navies of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, later Serbia-Montenegro.

Note: This long page will be upgaded next year, and if enough information is availablen dedicated articles for the most interesting ships: Destroeyr Splir, Frigates Kotor, severa submarines, patrol boats and fast accatck crafts. Stay tune !