Meko 360-class

The MEKO 360 is a class of warships designed by the German shipbuilder Blohm + Voss. Developed as the first version of the MEKO family of vessels, construction of the class took place between 1978 and 1984. The design was produced in two variants: the MEKO 360H1 and the MEKO 360H2. Depending on the publication, these ships are classified as either frigates or destroyers.

The design is based on a modular concept that allows for the exchange of armament to meet different mission requirements. This modularity is intended to facilitate the application of upgrades and refits. The vessels utilize a gas turbine propulsion system driving two shafts. Each ship is equipped with a hangar and flight deck to support one helicopter. The Argentine variant carries an armament suite including Exocet surface-to-surface missiles, Aspide surface-to-air missiles, an OTO Melara naval gun, Bofors guns, and torpedo tubes.

Five ships were completed from a planned total of seven. The Nigerian Navy operates the single MEKO 360H1 variant, NNS Aradu, which has been laid up since at least 2017. The Argentine Navy operates the MEKO 360H2 variant, locally designated as the Almirante Brown class. Four vessels were constructed for Argentina: ARA Almirante Brown, ARA La Argentina, ARA Heroína, and ARA Sarandí. Currently, ARA Almirante Brown, ARA La Argentina, and ARA Sarandí are in active service, while ARA Heroína is laid up. Two additional units, ARA Rivadavia and ARA Moreno, were cancelled.