The Spanish Navy’s long-term “Armada 2050” planning structure envisages two large amphibious assault ships that could reshape the country’s naval strength for decades. Design concepts describe the proposed Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) vessels as displacing up to 40,000 tons, which would make them the largest warships built in Spain. Spain’s existing large-deck amphibious capability centers on the Juan Carlos I; the proposed LHDs would form part of a broader future force, not a standalone shipbuilding project.
The ships are intended to transport marines and their vehicles, with support equipment and a large air wing. Concept designs envisage flight decks capable of operating up to twenty fifth-generation short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing fighters, such as the F-35B, alongside helicopters for transport and attack missions. The possible aircraft complement is one element of a wider capability being developed through Navy-established staff requirements, known in Spain as Requisitos de Estado Mayor (REM).
Navantia has described future naval capability development as based on “requirements established by the Spanish Navy for the development of a future capability under its Armada 2050 document.” The structure covers a distributed amphibious and expeditionary force. It includes two LHDs and three LXX amphibious mother ships, plus six mine-countermeasure vessels and six European Patrol Corvettes. It also includes two future submarines, with additional F-110 frigates.
The proposed LHDs are intended to support operations at greater distances and in more contested environments. Planned features include floodable well decks for landing craft and ship-to-shore connectors. These would let amphibious forces move by sea while aircraft support operations from above. The concept also refers to hovercraft and a projection radius of up to 150 nautical miles offshore, reducing the basic vessels’ exposure to coastal defenses.
Modular Expeditionary Force
The Navy’s proposal extends beyond the two large ships. Its future amphibious architecture includes three lighter LXX mother ships alongside the two LHDs, supporting a more distributed force designed for different missions and operational scenarios. The modular approach is intended to let Spain tailor expeditionary units, sustain deployment cycles and avoid concentrating too many capabilities in a single operation.
The planned force reflects a shift toward flexible, able to grow naval operations. LHDs would provide large-deck aviation and amphibious lift, while LXX vessels would contribute to the wider force structure. The proposed 150-nautical-mile stand-off range is part of the concept for projecting landing troops while limiting the larger ships’ exposure to shore-based defenses.
Navantia’s Role and Construction Timeline
Navantia, Spain’s leading shipbuilder, is expected to play a basic role in the new LHDs, with Ferrol identified as a likely construction site. The company built the Juan Carlos I, a reference point for Spain’s large-deck amphibious capability. Spanish shipbuilding expertise has also been exported to Australia and Turkey, where vessels based on the Juan Carlos I design entered service.
The new ships would build on that experience, with greater capacity for aircraft, troops and landing craft. Construction has been discussed as potentially beginning as early as 2028, with entry into service in the following decade, subject to design development, contracting and testing. These milestones remain prospective as the Navy’s long-term planning moves toward acquisition decisions.
Navantia’s work on the future fleet also includes the F-110 IAMD, a frigate design derived from the F-110 class and intended to strengthen air-defense and anti-missile capabilities. The five Bonifaz-class F-110 frigates now being built are designed to replace the Santa María class and escort and protect the naval force. This frigate program is a concrete part of Spain’s modernization effort, alongside the broader capabilities set out in Armada 2050.
Size and Capabilities
Design estimates for the new LHDs range from 30,000 to 40,000 tons. The higher figure is associated with accommodating a reinforced battalion and vehicles, alongside a larger air wing that could include up to twenty stealth fighters. Even at the lower estimate, the ships are intended to exceed the Juan Carlos I’s capacity. Final characteristics will depend on design choices and Navy requirements.
The displacement, aircraft complement and amphibious reach are presented as elements of the proposed design. The program’s broader purpose is to expand and diversify Spain’s expeditionary capability. Armada 2050 places the LHDs within a fleet-wide modernization plan, rather than treating them as a standalone replacement or construction project. The Navy’s plans reflect a wider effort among NATO allies to modernize amphibious and expeditionary forces in response to changing security demands.
Spain’s investment in advanced naval technology also reflects the country’s role in European defense industries. The project’s scale recalls other major infrastructure initiatives, such as the launch of unique attractions near Madrid. One example is the water coaster at Aquopolis Villanueva de la Cañada, covered in a report on new developments in Spain.
As the Spanish Navy develops the Armada 2050 force structure, the coming years will shape how the proposed ships contribute to Spain’s maritime presence and its ability to respond to future crises.
