The Spanish government has authorised the commencement of the contracting process for Navantia to design and construct two new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), the Spanish shipyard announced on 17 September 2025.
The new vessels will be added to the six Meteoro-class OPVs already in Spanish Navy service (Meteoro, Rayo, Relámpago, Tornado, Audaz and Furor), which are known as Buque de Acción Marítima (BAM) vessels. The aim is to reinforce Spain’s maritime surveillance and security capabilities, as well as to maintain the operational capability of the Spanish Navy’s maritime action force.
The two new OPVs, which are budgeted at EUR 716 million, will incorporate substantial improvements over their predecessors, both in operational capabilities and living conditions for the crew, according to Navantia. Engineering work is set to begin once the contract is signed, with production expected to begin in the first half of 2027.
The new OPVs will feature an updated combat system, a next-generation Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), enhancements to communication and navigation systems, advanced cyber-security measures, integration of unmanned vehicles, new workspaces and medical facilities, as well as increased accommodation capacity for crew members.
These improvements will enable the Spanish Navy to address current maritime security challenges more effectively, while also enhancing the quality of life for personnel on board, Navantia stated.
The engineering for this second extension of the BAM programme will be developed entirely using the tools within the ELCANO digital environment, which is owned by Navantia and based on technology provided by Siemens. This environment enables the integration of design, modelling, simulation and construction in a connected digital workflow, incorporating the latest advancements in Navantia’s digital transformation processes.
Construction of the OPVs will take place at Navantia’s Puerto Real facilities, which are equipped with a high level of automation and advanced technology. Part of the manufacturing process will be carried out in the flat block workshop, which features a state-of-the-art automated line currently in its final commissioning phase. This line will shortly begin operating at full capacity to build blocks for the UK’s Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.
