Spain is deploying its “Cristóbal Colón” frigate to the Eastern Mediterranean to offer protection to Cyprus amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Spanish frigate will accompany the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and Greek warships, following the Iranian drone attack on the British base in Akrotiri.
The frigate’s mission will include “protection and air defense” duties and assisting with the “evacuation of non-military personnel,” as stated in the Spanish Ministry of Defense’s announcement.
According to El País, the Cristóbal Colón, Spain’s most modern naval ship, initially participated in naval operations in the Baltic Sea but is now heading toward the shores of Crete, expected to arrive around March 10.
Capabilities and armament
The Cristóbal Colón (F 105), Spain’s latest frigate of the Álvaro de Bazán or F-100 class, has a displacement of 6,391 tons and a length of 146.7 meters. It entered service in October 2012, making it the most modern frigate in the Spanish Royal Navy.
Fully capable of conducting international missions and humanitarian aid operations, the frigate is also equipped to perform naval patrols and clearance operations to protect maritime sovereignty in the region. It has a top speed of 28 knots and a crew of around 200 personnel.
With a displacement of approximately 6,391 tons, it is armed with Aegis guided missiles. The Cristóbal Colón is equipped with the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar system and is capable of detecting and countering aerial, naval, and missile threats. It features 48 vertical launch system (VLS Mk 41) cells for SM-2 and ESSM missiles, as well as 8 Harpoon missiles for anti-ship attacks. The frigate is also armed with a 5-inch (127mm) naval gun and two 25mm guns for close-range defense. Additionally, it can carry a SH-60 Seahawk or NH-90 helicopter, enhancing its operational capabilities both in the air and at sea.
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