Several countries interested in buying ex-Spanish Navy Aircraft Carrier Principe de Asturias

According to rumors that emerged recently in the Spanish press, the Philippines as well as several Arab countries have expressed interest in purchasing the former Spanish Navy Aircraft Carrier Principe de Asturias.

In case of a sale, the contract would include refit and upgrading of the vessel by Spanish shipyard Navantia.

It is reported that Indonesia already expressed interest in the vessel earlier this year. Following an official visit by TNI AL (Indonesian Navy) delegation to the El Ferrol naval base however, Indonesia decided not to purchase the aircraft carrier.

Navantia overhaul of submarine almost complete

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has floated the Spanish navy's S-73 submarine, the Mistral, after finishing 80 percent of its dry dock overhaul.

Dry dock work on the vessel is being conducted at the company's shipyard in Cartagena and, when completed, will give the submarine another five years of service life.

The S-73 is a diesel-powered vessel with a surface speed of 12 knots and a submerged speed 10.5 knots. It entered service with the Spanish navy in 1977.

The dry dock overhaul involved dismantling the submarine, replacing components and equipment in poor condition and then reassembling the vessel. Navantia said more than 15,000 pieces of equipment were removed and inspected, as well as its hull.

Mistral is docked at the shipyard for the remainder of the overhaul, which includes completion of assembly and testing at port and at sea.

The vessel is scheduled to be returned to the Spanish Navy in September, Navantia said.

Spanish navy ships head Down Under

Australia has finalised a deal for the Spanish navy tanker and supply ship SPS Cantabria to spend much of next year working with the Australian navy.

 The Cantabria will deploy to Australia from mid-February to November, a period which covers part of the cyclone season when the Australian navy is short of support ships because of the problems with HMAS Choules.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the Cantabria deployment was a unique opportunity for both navies and would strengthen the relationship between Spain and Australia.

"I am very pleased that the project arrangement for this innovative activity has been signed," he said in a statement.

"It is a very sensible sharing of resources with positive training and capabilities for both the armada and for the RAN (Royal Australian Navy)."

The 19,500-tonne Cantabria was launched in 2008 and is capable of supplying fuel, food, stores and ammunition to ships while at sea.

This will be the Cantabria's longest deployment and will allow the Spanish Armada to trial the ship's full range of capabilities, including the operating and maintenance cycle.

Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare said many of the Cantabria's systems were similar to what would be on board Australia's new landing helicopter dock (LHD) ships and air warfare destroyers (AWDs), both of which are based on Spanish designs.

"This arrangement will provide an opportunity for RAN personnel to train and familiarise themselves with Cantabria before they go on to crew the LHD and AWD," he said.

During the deployment, the Cantabria will provide support to the RAN during domestic and international training and exercises.

The deployment will culminate with the Cantabria's participation in the Australian International Fleet Review in October 2013.

Spain - Final Sea Trials of F-105 frigate

Navantia and the Spanish Navy have started final sea trials of the F-105 frigate “Cristóbal Colón” last Monday, in Ferrol (Northern Spain), which will last all week.

During these sea trials, the shipyard will test the correct integration of the combat system in the platform, including trials of all sensors and weapons on board, as anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, electronic war and communications exercises.

For the performance of several combat scenarios, Navantia will count on the collaboration of other surface units, including a F-100 class frigate, as well as land radio stations and communication satellites.

Navantia has integrated the combat system SPY-1D (V) version on board, making the F-105 the most advanced of all the F-100 class. Also, it incorporates the highest level of nacionalization in sensors and weapons, which has been a big challenge for the shipyard.

The sea trials will take place with more than 300 people on board, including Navantia staff, Spanish Navy and auxiliary industry. It is also expected to receive Australian staff, as part of the training program that Navantia is providing regarding the AWD’s contract,  a design based on the F-105.

F-105 “CRISTÓBAL COLÓN”

 Main features:

Waterline Length ............................ 133.20 m

Full Load Displacement ...................... 6,041 t

Full Load Draught ............................... 5.00 m

Maximum speed ........................... 28.5 knots

Cruising speed ................................ 18 knots

Endurance at Cruising Speed ....... 4,500 miles

Crew .......................................... 234 persons