Navantia has been contracted to produce a combat supply ship for the Spanish Navy.
The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved an amount of 703 million euros ($814 million) for the project.
Called the BAC (Buque de Aprovisionamento) II, the vessel will replace the 30-year-old A-14 Patiño by 2030, and partner with the service’s other logistical support vessel, the A-15 Cantabria.
The Spanish Navy also has a fleet tanker for supply operations.
The production will take 3 million man-hours of work over four years, providing direct and indirect employment for 1,800 personnel.
It will include significant participation from the Spanish industry, including over 300 firms.
Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard in Spain will be the production site.
Combat Supply Ship
Based on the in-service Cantabria and the two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment-class vessels of the Australian Navy, the ship will be 173 meters (567 feet) long and 23 meters (75 feet) wide.
Its full-load displacement will be approximately 20,000 tons.
Additional features include an environment-friendly propulsion system, a point defense system, a counter-drone system, and the ability to maintain and deploy aerial, surface, and underwater drones.
Missions
The BAC II will be used for essential operational logistical support such as the storage and transport of fuel, water, supplies, ammunition, and spare parts for other ships and aircraft.
It will also be used to provide support for medical emergencies and special operations and, if necessary, as an operations command ship.
