Yugoslavia was a country that developed a remarkable naval tradition and capability, and the submarine “Heroj” stood as one of the greatest symbols of the Yugoslav Navy. This submarine, bearing the full name Hero of the People’s Liberation of Yugoslavia, represented courage, innovation, and technological progress.
A Technological Milestone in Domestic Engineering
Heroj was the first domestically designed Yugoslav submarine, with construction beginning in 1968 at the “Uljanik” shipyard in Pula. This undertaking was a milestone for local industry and engineering, symbolizing Yugoslavia’s growing technological capability and industrial competence.
The submarine Heroj belonged to the Project 611 class, more commonly referred to as the Heroj class. Measuring 91 meters in length with a draft of 7.8 meters, this vessel was both imposing and technically advanced. It was equipped with a nuclear reactor powering an electric motor, which enabled it to remain submerged far longer than conventional submarines.
Intelligence, Firepower, and National Unity
Heroj was designed for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions, and it was also capable of engaging enemy vessels. It was fitted with sonar and electronic systems for detecting hostile ships and submarines, along with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
A total of 110,000 institutional working hours per year were dedicated to designing the submarine and developing its systems, excluding the time spent on hydrodynamic model testing and weapons system development.
The construction of Heroj, as well as the delivery of its parts, equipment, and materials, involved numerous major Yugoslav companies from almost every republic of the former SFRY: Rade Končar, Iskra, Vulkan, Strojar, Đuro Đaković, Prva petoletka, Teleoptik, RIZ, Jugoturbina, Jesenice Steelworks, Zenica Steelworks, EI Niš, Kamnik, Pionir, and others.
Legacy and Tragic End
This submarine played an important role in the Yugoslav Navy during the Cold War. Its reconnaissance and covert operation capabilities were vital in safeguarding Yugoslav waters and securing maritime routes. Heroj was also a symbol of military defense and deterrence, demonstrating that Yugoslavia was prepared to confront potential threats.
The Heroj completed a total of 726 days at sea, 910 dives, and traveled 46,659 nautical miles. Equivalent to circumnavigating the globe twice.
Tragically, Heroj met a sorrowful fate. In May 1977, during a routine training mission in the Adriatic Sea, the submarine suffered an accident that resulted in the loss of all 37 crew members. This catastrophe left a lasting mark on Yugoslav naval history and on the memory of the brave sailors who served aboard.
The submarine Heroj remains a lasting symbol of Yugoslavia’s courage, innovation, and technical achievement. Its existence testifies to the expertise of the Yugoslav industrial sector and to the bravery of the sailors who served on her. Heroj is forever woven into the history of Yugoslavia as a symbol of its naval heritage and contribution to global submarine technology.
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