Espora-class (MEKO 140A16)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇦🇷 Argentina |
| Category | Corvette |
| Subtype | Corvette |
| Manufacturer | AFNE "Río Santiago" |
| Year commissioned | 1985 |
| Units | Argentine Navy: 6 in service |
Description
The Espora-class corvettes are a fleet of six warships serving the Argentine Navy, constructed within the nation following the German MEKO 140A16 blueprint that originated from Portugal's João Coutinho-class design. The delivery of these warships was staggered, beginning in 1985 and concluding in 2004, largely due to financial constraints and various incidents that delayed construction schedules. These corvettes form the 2nd Corvette Division and are stationed at the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base. Though deemed frigates by the designers, Argentina classifies them as corvettes, aligning with their roles within the Navy.
Unstable financing and import difficulties have consistently challenged the Argentine Navy's capacity for upkeep and training. Notably, the Espora-class corvettes have encountered several issues, with Espora herself marooned for over two months in South Africa due to a payment dispute over generator repairs in 2012. At the same time, the operational status of other vessels, like Parker and Rosales, was uncertain with delays caused by awaiting spare parts.
The Rosales remained in limbo, initially earmarked for scrapping in 2019, yet evidence of ongoing training exercises aboard her suggested a different fate. By 2021, she was undergoing repairs, successfully returning to service a year later. Meanwhile, the Parker was designated for conversion to an offshore patrol vessel, a refit scheduled for completion in late 2023.
These corvettes, commissioned between 1985 and 1990, originated from a 1974 Naval Constructions National Plan, with Argentina aiming to modernize its fleet. The Argentine-built fleet was tailored to anti-surface warfare and patrol tasks. The construction occurred at the AFNE "Río Santiago" shipyard and incorporated enhanced automation and communication systems in the later vessels. A significant feature is the Thales DAISY combat data system, with one member of the class sporting an indigenous command system.
Operational history of the Espora-class corvettes is marked by engagement in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, enforcing Argentina's exclusive economic zone which included capturing illegal fishing vessels. In 2012, the Spiro suffered damage to her sonar after a grounding incident, while the Espora had to be unexpectedly deployed to replace her in an off West Africa naval exercise. These corvettes were considered for life extension programs, which might involve converting their operational profile, reflecting a shift in naval strategy.
The armament of the Espora-class corvettes includes Exocet anti-ship missiles, which were being maintained for operational relevance. However, as part of the Parker's conversion, the missiles were removed. Other weapons comprise a 76mm OTO Melara gun, twin 40mm AA guns, 12.7mm machine guns, and torpedo tubes. They also support onboard helicopters, with the latter batch fitted with telescopic hangars.
As of 2021, four of the corvettes were reported active and participated in naval exercises, reflecting a partial recovery of operational capability within the Argentine Navy.
Technical specifications
| Espora | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1790 tons |
| Range | 7000 km |
| Crew | 93 members |
| Width | 11.0 m (36.1 ft) |
| Length | 91.2 m (299.2 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 SEMT Pielstick 16 PC 2–5 V400 diesels, 2 5-blade props |
| Armament | 4 × MM38 Exocet anti-ship missiles |
| Maximum speed | 27 knots |