Descubierta-class

The Descubierta class is a series of corvettes built by Arsenal de Cartagena and Arsenal de Ferrol between 1975 and 1984. The design was developed in cooperation with the German company Blohm & Voss and was based on the Portuguese João Coutinho class designed by naval engineer Rogério de Oliveira. Although a second batch of larger vessels was proposed, the Spanish Navy opted to build Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates under license instead.

The class was produced for the navies of Spain, Egypt, and Morocco. While the Spanish and Egyptian vessels were built to a standard configuration, the Moroccan unit was equipped with Exocet missiles. In 2000, the Spanish Navy modified its existing fleet for different operational roles. Five vessels—Descubierta, Infanta Elena, Infanta Cristina, Cazadora, and Vencedora—were converted into patrol craft. The Diana was repurposed as a mine countermeasures support ship.

The Spanish Navy commissioned its six units between 1978 and 1982. Decommissioning of these vessels began in 2009 with the Descubierta. Subsequent retirements included the Diana in 2015, Vencedora in 2017, Cazadora in 2018, Infanta Elena in 2023, and Infanta Cristina in 2024.

The Egyptian Navy commissioned the El Suez and Abo Qir in 1984, both of which remain in service. The Royal Moroccan Navy commissioned the Lieutenant Colonel Errhamani in 1983; this vessel also remains in active service.