As part of Spain’s ongoing defence modernisation efforts, the Ministry of Defense has signed the execution order with local shipbuilder Navantia for a new combat supply ship.
As disclosed, the vessel will have a length of almost 174 meters, a beam of 23 meters, and a full-load displacement of approximately 20,000 tons.
It will be built at the Navantia Ferrol shipyard and will be based on the design of the A-15 Cantabria (2010), currently in service with the Spanish Navy, and its subsequent upgrade corresponding to the two AAOR-class vessels delivered to the Australian Navy.
The ship will be able to store and transport fuel for other ships and aircraft, water and supplies, as well as ammunition and spare parts.
It will also be able to provide medical support and support for special operations, and even transport materials for storage in deck containers. Finally, in certain situations, it could act as an operations command ship if necessary.
The new vessel will replace the A-14 Patiño logistics vessel, delivered to the navy in 1995 and still in service. Its new capabilities include environmentally friendly propulsion and the inclusion of a point defense system, C-UAS (anti-drone) defense, and the capacity to deploy and maintain UXVs (aerial, surface, and underwater drones).
The navy will have two units of this type, estimated for 2030, as a means of maintaining operational logistical support for the naval force, in addition to a fleet tanker.
To remind, Navantia recently marked construction milestones for the Spanish Navy’s F-110 frigate program, in which the keel of the F112 was laid and the first steel of the F113 was cut.
The F110 frigate program, whose execution order was signed in 2019, includes the construction of five units worth €4.325 million. These ships will have anti-aircraft, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities, and will be able to operate in combination with other units. They are versatile ships that can also perform functions related to maritime security and support to civil authorities.