New building of the Navy Command of the Armed Forces of Montenegro opened in Bar

At the “Narodni heroj Petar Pero Ćetković” Barracks in Bar, a new building of the Navy Command of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, featuring a modern Naval Operations Centre, was officially opened. This event marks a significant strategic step forward in the modernization of the defence system and the strengthening of the security of Montenegro’s maritime area.

The project was implemented by the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works of Montenegro, with a total investment value of nearly €12 million. Construction works began in September 2023 and were completed in February 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić emphasized that today we proudly share the joy of a historic moment – the ceremonial opening of the new building of the Navy Command of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, in which around €12 million has been invested and which has been built in accordance with the most advanced NATO standards.

This impressive building is a testament to commitment, institutional seriousness and statesmanlike responsibility. The defence sector is the foundation of the system, the Armed Forces are one of the key pillars of the state, and the Navy is the reflection of every serious state and responsible system, Bečić said.

He stated that tens of millions of euros are being invested in adaptations, reconstructions and the construction of numerous facilities in barracks in Kolašin, Pljevlja, Nikšić and Danilovgrad, as well as at the Military Airport, and that members of the Armed Forces have received new uniforms, vehicles, aircraft and modern equipment.

He particularly emphasized the strengthening of the capacities of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, noting that, in cooperation with American partners, modern fast patrol boats have been procured and the electronic sea surveillance system has been modernized.

He stressed that no ship, no aircraft, nor any building constitutes the Armed Forces on its own.

The Armed Forces are made up of people, which is why personnel reforms are our focus. Reforms that open the door to new, young people and new energy, while respecting valuable experience, improving the material status and providing additional motivation for professionals, but also decisively cleansing the system of illicit influences and compromised personnel – all those who do not deserve to wear the honourable uniform of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, he added.

He emphasized that it does not matter what someone’s name is, or what their national, religious, political or other beliefs may be.

That time is behind us. Divisions belong to the past, and shared successes are our future. Therefore, we call on you to seek the good, to unite around what is good, to unite around professionalism and honour. That is the only formula for building strong institutions, a strong state, an eternal Montenegro, a credible member of NATO and the next member of the European Union, Bečić concluded.

Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović, in his address, highlighted the infrastructural and strategic importance of the new Navy building.

This modern workspace represents a strategic step forward in the development of the Navy and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to modernizing the defence system and strengthening the state’s presence at sea. The new Naval Operations Centre enables an integrated maritime picture, secure data exchange with allies, and uninterrupted operations under all conditions, he added.

The Minister also recalled the procurement of new patrol vessels “Petar I” and “Petar II Njegoš”, rapid response boats and modernized radar stations, enabling Montenegro for the first time to ensure full protection of its maritime domain.

Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović emphasized the infrastructural significance of the project.

The construction of the Navy Command facility with the Operations Centre represents an important infrastructural step forward. This project has further strengthened the capacities of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Montenegro to plan, manage and execute tasks of key importance for the security of our state. Investing in military infrastructure is an investment in the stability, readiness and long-term security of Montenegro, she said.

Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanović emphasized the human factor as the key element of the defence system.

We are not just opening a new facility. We are opening a new chapter in the development of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Montenegro. People – sailors, non-commissioned officers, officers and civilian personnel – give meaning to everything we build. Your vigilance while others sleep, your readiness to respond, and your professionalism – these are the foundations of our security. This building will be as strong as the people who work in it, he added.

With the opening of the new Navy Command building, Montenegro has reaffirmed its clear and long-term commitment to systematically and strategically investing in the security, sovereignty and stability of its maritime territory. The facility has been built in accordance with the most advanced national and NATO standards, confirming Montenegro’s dedication to fulfilling the obligations arising from its membership in NATO. The Command will serve to coordinate all Navy units, cooperate with national and allied entities, and enhance the operational efficiency and combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Montenegro.

The Navy Command building, with a gross floor area of 2,100 m², was designed as an administrative-operational centre integrating command, operational and logistical functions. The facility has been constructed in accordance with the highest national and NATO standards, with modern electrical installations, automation systems, secure communication infrastructure and specialized military equipment.