SPS Navarra (F85)

Fifth of six Spanish-built frigates based on the USN "Oliver Hazard Perry" (FFG-7) design. Laid down on April 15 1991 and Launched on October 23 1992, Navarra was commissioned in service on May 27 1994.The ship features a series of improvements to her previous sisters,like a new Meroka mod 2B CIWS and upgraded fire control systems with mk92 mod6 CORT(Coherent Receiver Transmitter) and SPS-49(v)5 instead of previous (v)4. All of these Spanish FFG’s have the length of the later "Oliver Hazard Perry" FFG’s, and have a wider beam than the USN design, and therefore able to carry more top weight. Fin stabilizers are fitted.

Operational Service

On December 9, 2002, "Navarra" intercepted the unflagged freighter "So San" several hundred miles southeast of Yemen at the request of the United States government as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The frigate fired across the "So San"’s bow after the freighter ignored hails and attempted to evade the frigate. The freighter’s crew was North Korean; 23 containers containing 15 complete Scud ballistic missiles, 15 high-explosive warheads, and 23 nitric acid containers were found on board. Yemen claimed ownership of the shipment and protested the interception.

Other units of class

*SPS "Santa María" (F81)
*SPS "Victoria" (F82)
*SPS "Numancia" (F83)
*SPS "Reina Sofía" (F84)
*SPS "Canarias" (F86)

Specifications

*Displacement: 2851 ton lightship, 3610 ton standard, 4177 ton full load
*Length: 138.8 metres
*Beam: 14.3 metres
*Draught: 8.6 metres
*Armament::*Mk 13 Missile Launcher and magazines for 40 missiles including RGM-84 Harpoon SSM and the SM-1MR Block VIB SAM:*Mk 75 Oto Melara 76mm Compact Gun:*20mm Meroka 12 barrel CIWS system:*Mk 32 SVTT for Mk 46 Lightweight Torpedoes:*SH-60B Seahawk LAMPS III Helicopter
*Propulsion: Two LM2500 Gas Turbines coupled to a single shaft and controllable pitch propellor
*Speed: 30+