Navantia will build Spain’s new supply vessel, the company announced on the 10th of June.
The announcement comes a month after the budget approval of 703 million euros for the program, known as BAC II (Buque de Aprovisionamento II), the ship will replace the 30 year old A-14 Patiño.
The BACII will have a displacement of about 20 000 tonnes, a length of 174 meters and a width of 23 meters. Built on the Navantia Ferrol shipyard the BACII will based on the A-15 Cantabria in service with the Spanish navy and its updated variant delivered to the Royal Australian Navy, known as the Supply Class.
The ship will carry fuel for other vessels and aviation fuel, as well as water, supplies, munitions and spares. Other capabilities will range from medical support to the employment of special forces and if needed serve as a command and control ship.
Lastly the BACII will feature point defense weaponry, anti-drone defenses and the capacity to employ and maintain a wide array of drones, be it aerial drones, surface and underwater ones.
Sources:
https://defensearchives.com/news/spain-to-procure-new-aor-for-700-million-euros/