BAM Patrol Vessels

Avante 3000: Spanish naval versatility for the most demanding missions

The Avante 3000, developed by Navantia, is a next‑generation offshore patrol vessel that stands out for its multi‑mission capability and adaptability to a wide range of operational scenarios. With a proven design and four units in service, this ship has demonstrated its effectiveness in extended offshore operations, even in adverse conditions. Its platform enables the integration of mission modules, support vessels and air operations, making it a flexible tool for surveillance, support and combat tasks. In addition, its high level of automation reduces operating and maintenance costs, positioning it as a strategic option for navies seeking efficiency and versatility in their fleets.

DISCOVER THE AVANTE 3000

Controlling maritime traffic, whether by inspecting ships or defending them against piracy, is a key activity for any country.

All countries seek to control their territorial waters to defend their territory against ever‑changing threats such as international terrorism, the proliferation of illegal weapons and drug- and human trafficking. In addition, many navies are also responsible for oceanographic research campaigns, protection of underwater cultural heritage and defence of fishing resources.

Ultimately, these ships must be able to carry out very different missions, both in waters close to national territory and in international missions such as Operation Atalanta in the Horn of Africa or Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean.

Given the variety of missions patrol vessels must undertake, their design must ensure long periods at sea under optimal operating conditions and with reduced operating and lifecycle costs. They must also be prepared to operate in missions against marine pollution and search and rescue operations.

Navantia has built four Maritime Action Vessels (BAMs) for the Spanish Navy (and has two more currently under construction), four Offshore Patrol Vessels (POVs) and three Littoral Surveillance Vessels (BVLs) for the Venezuelan Navy.

AVANTE family‍

Navantia has developed a complete family of ships of different sizes, tailored to a wide range of missions, while sharing common standards and a consistent design philosophy. This ensures that all products benefit from lessons learned from previous patrol vessels. This approach also facilitates the adaptation of each design to meet the specific requirements of individual customers.

Covering four very different types of missions (research, support, patrol and combat), as well as a displacement range from 300 to 3,000 tonnes, the AVANTE family spans the entire spectrum of patrol vessels, from missile boats and hydrographic ships to coastguard vessels, offshore patrol vessels and combat-capable patrol ships. This broad range of platforms is complemented by multiple design options that can be incorporated to meet each customer's specific missions and needs. These include flight decks for air operations, hangars, hybrid propulsion systems, RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats) and the capacity to operate multi-mission container modules. The ships are also designed to accommodate future equipment that can enhance their capabilities without requiring major structural modifications, following a “fitted for but not with” philosophy.

Finally, in terms of combat systems, weapons and sensors, Navantia has experience both in incorporating systems developed in-house (with a single supplier responsible for the design of both the platform and its systems) and in integrating systems from other providers into its platforms.

History of the BAM class‍

The Maritime Action Vessel (BAM) programme arose from the need to replace a heterogeneous group of Spanish Navy vessels, most of which were tasked with surveillance and patrol missions and nearing the end of their service life.

The BAM’s development process began with close cooperation between the Spanish Navy and Navantia, jointly defining the requirements and establishing a robust technical baseline. Their shared goal was to develop high-performance vessels offering a high degree of commonality and versatility, comfortable accommodation for the crew and low acquisition and maintenance costs. The result is a medium-sized, high-performance vessel that can undertake a wide range of missions while keeping both acquisition and lifecycle costs low.

On 31 July 2006, the Navy and Navantia signed the contract for the construction of four BAMs. The last of these units was delivered in 2012. On 1 August 2014, construction of two additional units was authorised, which were delivered in 2018.

AVANTE 300

Navantia’s fast patrol vessel AVANTE 300 combines waterjet propulsion, manoeuvrability and speed to monitor Exclusive Economic Zones and support rapid reaction forces. With 3D radar, tactical data links and a suite of missiles and artillery, it integrates command and platform systems to operate effectively in groups or near the coast.

AVANTE 1400

The AVANTE 1400 offshore patrol vessel is a compact, versatile platform. With a proven design, stern ramp for RHIBs and flight deck for a helicopter, it reaches over 22 knots, has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and can accommodate 29 additional personnel, while maintaining low lifecycle costs.

AVANTE 1800 COMBATANT

The AVANTE 1800 Combatant offers one of the most comprehensive combat systems in a compact corvette. Its 89‑metre stealth design protects the EEZ with AAW, ASuW and electronic warfare capabilities. It reaches 26 knots, has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and features a flight deck for a 10‑tonne helicopter, backed by Navantia’s frigate‑design experience.

AVANTE 2200 COMBATANT

The AVANTE 2200 Combatant corvette combines a state‑of‑the‑art combat system – Air, Surface, Submarine and Electronic – with a compact, stealthy platform already proven in four units. With redundant CODAD propulsion, SAM/SSM missiles, VLS and torpedoes, and integrated PMS/CMS management, it delivers maximum offensive power with contained lifecycle costs.

AVANTE 3000

Navantia’s AVANTE 3000 offshore patrol vessel combines a proven design – four units in service and two under construction – with a highly automated platform and reduced maintenance costs. Its flight deck and hangar for 10-tonne helicopters, mission module capacity and 3,500-mile range ensure versatility and sustained projection.

AVANTE 2200 PATROL

The AVANTE 2200 Patrol combines a stealth design and military standards with a highly automated platform for smaller crews. At 98.9 metres long, with a speed of 25 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles, it features 3D radar, SAM/SSM missiles and a 76 mm gun, with scope for future AAW, ASW and ASuW capability upgrades.

Patrol vessels