Álvaro de Bazán-class (F100)

The Álvaro de Bazán class, also designated as the F100 class, is a series of guided-missile frigates operated by the Spanish Navy. Developed to succeed the Baleares class, the vessels were constructed by Navantia at the Ferrol shipyard. The Spanish Navy originally planned for six units, though one was canceled. Five ships were commissioned between 2002 and 2012. The class will be succeeded by the F110-class frigate.

The design integrates the Aegis combat system and the AN/SPY-1D 3D multifunction radar. This system allows the vessels to track airborne targets as part of an air defense network. The Álvaro de Bazán class is one of several international ship classes to utilize this system, alongside vessels operated by the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Norway. On this class, the radar arrays are positioned higher than on United States or Japanese Aegis-equipped ships. The hull incorporates ballistic resistant steel, and the engines are installed on anti-vibration mounts to reduce the ship's acoustic signature.

The Spanish Navy operates five ships in this class: Álvaro de Bazán, Almirante Juan de Borbón, Blas de Lezo, Méndez Núñez, and Cristóbal Colón. The fifth vessel, Cristóbal Colón, includes design improvements compared to the earlier units.

The Álvaro de Bazán design served as the basis for two export variants. The Royal Norwegian Navy ordered five Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates based on the design, which were built by Navantia between 2003 and 2009. Four of these remain in service. The Royal Australian Navy operates three units known as the Hobart-class destroyer, or Air Warfare Destroyer. These vessels were commissioned between 2017 and 2020.