The Spanish Government has contracted Navantia to build two extra offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) at a cost of €716 million.
The two new vessels, as yet unnamed, will join the six existing OPVs already in service with the Armada: Meteoro, Rayo, Relámpago, Tornado, Audaz, and Furor.
As per a Navantia press statement: “The aim is to reinforce maritime surveillance and security, as well as to maintain the operational capability of the Navy’s maritime action force.”
The two new vessels will boast significantly upgraded capabilities compared to their sister vessels in the class, including an updated combat system, and a next-generation Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
They will also sport enhanced navigation and communication systems, better cybersecurity, and the capacity to integrate uncrewed vehicles, as well as offering more crew accommodation.
The new warships will be built at Navantia’s highly automated Puerto Real shipyard near Cadiz in southern Spain, where production is also about to begin on blocks for the U.K.’s Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships.
- You can read more details on the Navantia website