Almirante Padilla-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇨🇴 Colombia |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | Frigate |
| Manufacturer | Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft |
| Year commissioned | 1983 |
| Units |
FM-51 ARC Almirante Padilla FM-52 ARC Caldas FM-53 ARC Antioquia FM-54 ARC Independiente |
Operators
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 2100 tons |
| Range | 7000 km at 14 knots |
| Crew | 92 members |
| Width | 11.3 m (37.1 ft) |
| Length | 99.1 m (325.1 ft) |
| Air Park | |
| Propulsion | 2 shaft, 4 MTU 20V 1163 TB92 diesel engines 23,400 hp (17,400 kW) |
| Thrust | 2120 hp |
| Armament |
|
| Maximum speed | 27 knots |
Description
The Almirante Padilla class, designated as Type FS 1500, consists of four frigates operated by the Colombian Navy. Ordered in 1980 from Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Kiel, West Germany, the vessels entered service between 1983 and 1984. These ships replaced retired destroyers in the Colombian fleet. A modified version of this design is also operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy as the Kasturi class.
The class utilizes a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion arrangement and was the first to employ MTU 20V 1163 TB92 engines. The hulls are fitted with fin stabilizers. For aviation operations, the ships include a hangar and a landing platform. While originally designed for MBB Bo 105 or Eurocopter AS-555-SN Fennec helicopters, the landing pad was later extended to accommodate the Bell 412.
In 2012, the vessels underwent a mid-life modernization known as the Orion Program. This refit, conducted by Thales Group, replaced the original combat data systems and sensors with the TACTICOS combat system, SMART-S Mk2 radar, and Sting-EO Mk2 tracking systems. Electronic warfare suites were updated with Vigile radar electronic support measures and Terma decoy systems.
The armament suite includes anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and a primary naval gun. The ships also maintain torpedo tubes for anti-submarine tasks. During the Orion Program, the vessels were re-equipped with Hae Sung I anti-ship missiles and the Strales version of the OTO Melara 76 mm gun to utilize DART guided ammunition.
The Colombian Navy employs the Almirante Padilla class for patrolling the national exclusive economic zone and conducting anti-narcotic operations. The vessels also provide logistics and resupply for military outposts on Colombian islands. International service includes participation in naval exercises such as UNITAS and PANAMAX.