The Royal Australian Navy has received, on November 28, Commonwealth of Australia the ALHD Canberra, first of two LHD ships Navantia has built for Australia, based on the LHD Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Armada. This ship, the largest that has operated the Royal Australian Navy since its inception in 1913, gives it a new capacity both in the projection of force and increased support their allies and neighbors in missions humanitarian.
This time, as relevant to the Royal Australian Navy, was attended by representatives of Navantia, including President José Manuel Revuelta and the person responsible for the activities that have been performed on pre-delivery Australia team. The President stressed the importance of this moment for the company and the strong bonds of the same with industry and the Australian defense industry.
The ceremony, held in Sydney, attended by the Secretary of State for Defence, Don Pedro Argüelles, the Chief of Staff, Admiral Jaime Munoz Delgado and the Ambassador of Spain in Australia, Don Enrique Viguera. Similarly, by the Australian authorities, the Governor General, Don Peter Cosgrove and Prime Minister Tony Abbot, presided over the ceremony.
The ship, whose contract was signed in 2007, was built 85% by Navantia shipyard in Ria de Ferrol and completed in Australia by BAE Systems. He was transferred to Australia in August 2012 and accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia on October 3.
The construction of these vessels has led to Navantia entry into the niche market of such ships, which has been consolidated with the election of Spanish LHD design by the Turkish Navy, and the best showcase of Navantia in Australia, where has important commercial interests.
Navantia (English translation by Google Translate)