N07-018-280 SPANISH NAVY'S LHD JUAN CARLOS I

Juan Carlos I is a Spanish Amphibious Assault Ship, the keel of which was laid in May 2005, launched in September 2009 and commissioned in 2010. The total length of the ship is 230.8 meters and a width of 32 meters. The displacement is around 26,000 tons and the maximum speed does not exceed 21 knots. The on-board armament, immediately after entering service, included, among others: 4 20 mm cannons or 2 BPDMS launchers. The unit can carry out an air operation with the use of 25-31 AV-8B or F-35B aircraft or 25-30 NH-90 helicopters. Design work on Juan Carlos I began at the end of the 20th century, and its final shape was approved in 2003. From the beginning, it was assumed that the new ship would replace the obsolete Newport-class units in the line, and at the same time would allow for a significant improvement in the implementation of amphibious operations and the broadly understood force projection. Finally, a very successful ship was created, with considerable combat capabilities, undoubtedly strengthening the Spanish Navy (MW). What's more, Australia also decided on a Spanish project for its MW. Juan Carlos I is able to carry a landing of up to 915 soldiers and up to 46 Leopard 2E tanks.