He Juan Carlos I (L-61) is the largest ship ever built for the Spanish Navyan amusement holder and amphibious assault ship that represents an unprecedented technological and strategic leap. It was designed by Navantia and built in Ferrol shipyards, with an approximate cost of 400 million euros.
The Construction began in 2005 and its official launch was carried out on March 10, 2008. He was delivered to the Navy on September 30, 2010, receiving his name in honor of the then King Juan Carlos I.
Technical characteristics and aircraft carrier capabilities
With one 231 meter length, a 32 -meter sleeve And a displacement of 26,000 tons, Juan Carlos I is an authentic floating city. Some of its most outstanding characteristics are:
- Maximum speed: 21.5 knots
- Autonomy: 9,000 nautical miles to 15 knots
- Propulsion: CODLAG system with gas turbines and diesel-electrical generators
- Crew: 261 more capacity for 1,200 soldiers
- Complete hospital With operating rooms, ICU, X -rays and more
Air power on board: multifunctional aircraft carrier
The ship has a 202 × 32 meter flight cover and a 12º skump which allows to operate vertical take-off aircraft such as the AV-8B Harrier II Plus or the F-35B future.
In addition, you can house:
- Up to 30 helicopters in air configuration
- 12 AV-8B+ fighters
- 2 aircraft elevators
- Hangar of 990 m²
Logistics and landing capacity
Also designed as strategic projection shipJuan Carlos I has:
- Flood Dock of 975 m²
- Light and heavy vehicles with more than 3,400 m² combined
- Load capacity of up to 6,000 tons
Can display up to four LCM-1E, Hovercraft or landing vehicles. This allows you to perform large -scale amphibious operations, transport troops and armored vehicles, and offer advanced logistics support.
Technology and Armament
The ship is equipped with the more modern control and combat systemsmany of them designed and manufactured in Spain:
- SOCOMBA COMBAT SYSTEM
- Radar Lanza-N and Aries-Nav
- Argos Surveillance System
- Link-11 and Tactical Communication Link-22
As for the armamentJuan Carlos I has:
- 4 12.7 mm browning m2 machine guns
- 2 mg3 of 7.62 mm
- Guardian 2.0 Defense System (in the process of installation)
Although it does not have proximity defense ciWs systems, they are being evaluated national solutions such as the Mistral missile o Systems of notary m & e.
Juan Carlos I: Key Missions and International Deployments
From its entry into service, the Juan Carlos I has participated in numerous international exercisesincluding Trident Juncture or Baltops with NATO, and has operated in countries such as Türkiye, India, France, Portugal, Italy or Kuwait.
In addition, its humanitarian role has been fundamental, as demonstrated during the Turkey and Syria earthquakes in 2023leading the amphibious group “Daedalo 23” with medical and logistics support.
The flagship of the Spanish Navy
From the withdrawal of the Prince of Asturias, Juan Carlos I has assumed his role as a flagship. Its versatility allows you to lead combat missions, peace operations and humanitarian missions. It represents the present and future of the Spanish naval projection.