Galicia-class

The Galicia class consists of two landing platform dock (LPD) vessels in service with the Spanish Navy. Developed through a joint project between Spain and the Netherlands starting in 1990, the ships are based on the Enforcer design. This common design also provided the basis for the Dutch Rotterdam class and the British Bay class. Construction was conducted by Navantia at the Ferrol shipyard. The lead ship, Galicia, entered service in 1998, followed by Castilla in 2000.

The vessels are configured for amphibious warfare, including the transport and disembarkation of marine units. The design incorporates a well deck for landing craft and a flight deck with hangar facilities to support heavy or medium helicopters. Internal spaces include parking for main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers, as well as cargo areas for ammunition and stores. Propulsion is provided by diesel engines driving two shafts with variable pitch propellers and a bow thruster. Electronic and processing systems include air and surface search radars, identification friend or foe technology, and satellite communications. Castilla was modified during a 2002–2003 refit to include expanded command and control capabilities.

Both ships are stationed at Rota Naval Base. Operational history includes military deployments, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid. Galicia performed disaster relief operations following Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The vessel also served in Lebanon for peacekeeping and participated in counter-piracy operations off the Somali coast under Operation Atalanta. In 2020, Galicia was deployed for medical support during the COVID-19 pandemic in Melilla. Castilla was involved in the 2002 operation at Perejil Island and transported Spanish Legion units to the United Arab Emirates in 2003. Both vessels were utilized for environmental cleanup efforts following the 2002 Prestige oil spill.