Spanish frigate Cristóbal Colón en route to the Mediterranean

Spanish Armada Española directed a rocket frigate Cristóbal Colón (F-105) to operate within the aerodrome group Charles de Gaulle. The ship was included in a strike team operating on the Baltic last week.

In the coming days, a group of ships will enter the Mediterranean waters of Crete.

Rocket frigate Cristóbal Colón in the aerodrome unit of France

Spanish Ministry of Defence reported that the Mediterranean had been directed to its most modern frigate Cristóbal Colón (F-105), which is to provide cover and air defense to the ship team.

On 3 March, the unit was formally included in the operating team of the French airport group Charles de Gaulle. The team has previously conducted training activities in northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea.

In the face of increasing tensions in the Middle East, ships left the Baltic Sea and headed for the Mediterranean Sea.

According to a message from the Spanish Ministry of Defence, a team of ships is to move to the Mediterranean Sea. Ships plan to reach the Crete area around March 10. Greek Navy ships are also involved in the operation.

For the entire team, a ship of logistics support is Cantabria. The unit shall be responsible for supplies, fuel supplements and technical support.

Tasks of the frigate in the Mediterranean

Basic task of rocket frigate Cristóbal Colón will protect the air carrier group from air threats and cooperate within the NATO's multi-national defence structure.

The ship may also be used to support evacuation operations in the event of a deterioration of the safety situation in the region. Such units are prepared to carry out a wide range of tasks – from shielding ship teams to demonstrating the presence of allied forces.

The location of the Spanish frigate fits into NATO's efforts to maintain stability on the southern flank of the Alliance.

The latest frigate type Álvaro de Bazán

Cristóbal Colón (F-105) is the fifth and last unit of type Álvaro de Bazán in Armada Española. Ships of this type form the backbone of Spanish water forces intended to operate in allied teams.

The frigates of this series were designed primarily to protect anti-aircraft teams of ships. The units feature an American Aegis combat system that integrates sensors and weapons designed to combat air purposes, including rocket missiles.

Álvaro de Bazán ships were built in Navantia shipyards and have regularly participated in NATO operations and international missions since entering service.

F110 – next generation of Spanish frigate

However, it is worth noting that Cristóbal Colón belongs to a frigate type Álvaro de Bazán (F100) which currently form the backbone of Spanish water forces. At the same time, Armada Española is already implementing a new generation of frigates under the programme F110.

The first ship of the F110 series will be Bonifaz. This program is intended to replace older frigates of type Santa María. With the entry into service of new Armada Española units, it will receive ships equipped with combat systems and next generation sensors.