The Spanish frigate Numancia (F83) is the third vessel of the Santa María class, a series of six guided missile frigates based on the American Oliver Hazard Perry design. Constructed by Bazan in Spain, Numancia was laid down on January 8, 1986, launched on January 29, 1987, and officially commissioned into the Spanish Navy on November 17, 1989. The ship is homeported at Rota and operates as part of the 41st Escort Squadron. Measuring approximately 138.8 meters in overall length and featuring a beam of 14.3 meters, Numancia has a standard displacement of around 3,160 tonnes and a full load displacement nearing 4,107 tonnes. Its hull design is a long-hulled adaptation of the Oliver Hazard Perry class, allowing for additional top weight and future modifications. The vessel has a crew complement of 223 sailors, including 13 officers. Propelled by two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, Numancia achieves a maximum speed of 29 knots and has a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 18 knots. The ship’s armament includes a single Mk 13 missile launcher capable of firing SM-1MR anti-air/ship missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a 76mm OTO Melara naval gun, and close-in weapon systems such as the Meroka 20mm CIWS. For anti-submarine warfare, it carries Mark 46 torpedoes launched from twin torpedo tubes, supported by SQS-56 sonar and towed arrays. The frigate is equipped with advanced radar and fire-control systems, including the AN/SPS-49(V)4 air search radar and Mk 92 fire-control radar. It can operate up to two Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from twin hangars, with the aft helicopter deck equipped with RAST handling. Throughout its service, Numancia has participated in notable operations such as anti-piracy efforts off Somalia, intercepting pirates in 2009, and humanitarian missions like escorting relief ships in the Indian Ocean in 2022. It also played a role in Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean to combat migrant trafficking. The vessel’s combination of versatile weaponry, advanced sensors, and helicopter capabilities exemplifies its importance in modern naval operations.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.