Spain Ordering 5 Frigates for Over EUR 1.1 Bn

F100 AEGIS Frigate(click to view full) Defense-Aerospace translates a Spanish Ministry of Defence release noting that have launched the contractual process for the procurement of Spain’s fifth F100 Alvaro de Bazan Class AEGIS frigate, and of four new light Buques de Accion Maritima (BAM) project frigates whose total cost is estimated at EUR 1.1 billion ($1.4 billion at current conversion). The BAM program is intended to replace Spain’s light patrol vessels, which have limited use outside the inshore littoral zone and are nearing the end of their operational life. The roles that are planned for the new BAM ships reportedly include naval presence and control, minor protection roles for merchant shipping and small naval units (which seems to imply a potential anti-piracy role), special forces pick-up and delivery, fisheries and environmental roles, surveillance, and search-and-rescue. The translated release notes that: BAM concept(click to view larger) “The BAM ships will be 94 meters long, displace about 2,500 tonnes, have a helicopter landing pad, and will be capable of attaining a maximum speed of 20 knots. Crewed by 40 officers and ratings, they will have a range of 8,000 nautical miles and will carry enough supplies for missions of up to 40 […]