The Spanish Navy's F-100 class frigates are powerful ships that not only have anti-aircraft combat capabilities, but also can protect expeditionary forces, perform anti-submarine missions, conduct long-range anti-aircraft defense and anti-missile protection. These frigates are also equipped with command facilities that can act as flagships.
The F-100 class frigates were built by the Spanish shipyard IZAR and adopted the SPY-1D AEGIS radar from Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics, which is used in the US Navy as a world-class air defense system. With a detection range of more than 300 kilometers and the ability to track hundreds of targets simultaneously, this radar system controls the detection and engagement of hostile air, surface and submarine threats.
The performance of the F-100 class frigate makes one wonder if it is a frigate or a destroyerIn fact, these ** are closer to destroyers in displacement and firepower. Of this series of frigates, the Spanish Navy completed a total of 5, but the sixth ship was finally canceled in the plan. This caused a lively discussion about the performance and future development of these frigates.
It is worth mentioning that the development and construction of the Álvaro de Bassán-class frigate has shown some twists and turns. Initially, Spain was involved in the future NFR-90 frigate program, but the project was finally abandoned in 1989 due to differences in national requirements between the participating countries. This incident prompted Spain to develop its own F-100-class frigates, and in 1994 signed an agreement with Germany and the Netherlands to jointly develop F-100-class frigates.
Although these frigates are defined as frigates, their performance and equipment give reason to doubt their actual positioning. Nevertheless, the appearance of the F-100 class frigates has undoubtedly injected new vitality into the modernization and combat capability of the Spanish Navy. These frigates play an important role in protecting the fleet and performing a wide range of combat missions, as well as leading the way for the development of future corvettes.
Countries around the world are competing to develop and produce advanced military equipment, and the AEGIS computer system on ships has attracted much attention. This system connects the ship's first-class control and command and decision-making systems, and is equipped with a multifunctional phased array AN SPY-1 radar and a Link 11 security tactical data system, which has powerful combat capabilities.
The Álvaro de Bassan class is armed with a powerful 48-unit MK41 vertical launch systems, carrying missiles such as the Standard SM-2MR and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), with a range of 70 km and 50 km, respectively.
In addition, it is equipped with Halpen Block II anti-ship missiles, 127-mm UN defense MK45 guns, FABA Meroka 2B** system, etc., provide a full range of combat capabilities at sea. To counter submarine threats, Raytheon DE 1160 active and passive sonar systems, as well as MK., are also equipped46 light torpedoes and other anti-submarine anti-ship **.
The electronic countermeasures kit includes foil and decoy launchers, sonar torpedo countermeasure systems, etc., which provide effective electronic jamming and protection capabilities. The propulsion system uses a hybrid diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system, which has a powerful power plant to ensure the high speed and maneuverability of the ship. This series of powerful equipment and advanced systems have made the Álvaro de Bassan-class frigates an important force in naval operations.