The Spanish Navy has received its third maritime action ship (BAM), the Lightning, from Navantia.

The 94m-long ship has a displacement capacity of 2,500t,can cruise at a speed of 20.5kt and is the third vessel under a contract signed with the navy in 2006, according to Brahmand.

The ship has been designed to perform missions against asymmetric or conventional threats by means of presence (deterrence), surveillance (prevention) and limited actions (neutralisation).

The vessel is equipped with rescue equipment for disaster missions, cargo transport, means to fight sea pollution and a helicopter platform, and will be armed with light weapons in the future.

The Spanish Navy has plans to replace the Barceló, Anaga, Conejera, Toralla and Descubierta Class patrol boats with new vessels.