This is the Spanish Navy frigate that has captured 6 pirates in Somalia under Operation Atalanta

Operation Atalanta is one of the Spanish Navy’s major international maritime deployments, with the main objective of Protect sea traffic from pirate attacks In the westernmost part of the Indian Ocean. It is one of the most persistent missions over time and is most effective in thwarting countless attempts to hijack ships. The last one, just a few days ago.

According to the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) based in Rota, on May 10, the merchant ship Crystal Arctic experienced a “suspicious approach” 185 kilometers north of Bosaso (Somalia). the most delicate moment An exchange of gunfire was also involved. by the boat’s security team and possible pirates on the boat.

After repulsing the attack, a warship belonging to the Atalanta mission arrived at the location of the merchant ship, which is flying the Marshall Islands flag. The frigate took charge of 6 suspects “ensuring their physical integrity due to the unsafe conditions of the skiff and treating the wounds of some of them.”

The frigate F-86 Canarias referred to by the Naval Force is, belonging to the Santa Maria class and was in service in the Spanish Navy, in charge of carrying 6 bombers to the Seychelles. He explains, “Seychelles is one of the countries in the area of ​​operations with which Operation Atalanta has a legal agreement that allows for the trial of alleged pirates arrested by warships.”

In the images published by EUNAVFOR you can see the merchant ship and the small boat with the attackers of the Canarias frigate. As well as active participation in the operation of the SH-60 helicopter, which the Spanish company has put on board to increase its launch capability.

F-86 Canary Islands

Canarias is the sixth and last ship of the Santa Maria class. It was built at the Navantia facilities—formerly Empresa Nacional Bazán—and It was launched in mid-1993., nearly a decade after the series’ first appearance. Its design is based on the American Oliver Hazard Perry class of the 70s and 80s of the last 20th century.

The class of boats to which the Canarias belong, has a length of 137.7 metres, width of 14.3 metres, and draft of 7.5 metres, dimensions which are maintained in all units. However, both the F-85 and F-86 had some significant modifications to the original such as the installation of fixed fins on the stern, a new assembly of the Meroka turret and more advanced electronic equipment.

Canary Islands warship fighting piracy in the Indian Ocean

In particular, key systems for frigates such as improved air surveillance radar, more advanced sonar or a The most capable and modern electronic warfare system, A large portion of these components come from the United States, particularly from the Raytheon company, which specializes in the development and manufacturing of sensors.

The airborne radar has a range of 457 kilometres, combined with another surface-focused radar and two other shooting radars. The combination of all these serves as a reference for the integrated anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons on board. In the first category, the American-made RIM-66 is also present, while the surface segment is responsible for the Harpoon missiles.

In the electronic warfare section, the F-86 integrates decoy launchers and flares to confuse infrared sensors of enemy weapons. It has its own electronic warfare equipment which also serves for intelligence and other purposes. to disrupt communication, the latter created by Indra. In addition, shortly before departure for the Indian Ocean last February, they added anti-drone weapons.

Propulsion is provided by a pair of gas turbines that develop 41,000 horsepower and drive a main propeller with two auxiliary units in the bow. It has a range of 9,800 kilometers at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour and has space to carry two SH-60B helicopters.

The Canarias frigate belongs to the 41st Escort Squadron based in Rota (Cádiz), the same as EUNAVFOR. According to the Navy, “Despite their seniority, they remain fully operational in their capabilities and maintain a continuous presence in Operation Atalanta.”