During a port call in Southampton, Forces News was granted an exclusive tour of Spain’s ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbón, en route to Nato’s largest exercise since the Cold War.

The F-100 frigate can perform both surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as launching laser-guided Hellfire missiles. 

Before arriving in Hampshire, ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbón, the flagship of Standing Nato Maritime Group 1, carried out gunnery exercises while travelling from Scotland.

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The frigate is one of five Nato warships visiting Southampton’s port before heading to take part in Exercise Steadfast Defender.

The visit comes after more than 700 vehicles sailed on a 23,000-tonne cargo vessel from Anvil Point to take part in Exercise Steadfast Defender.