Australian officer boards Spain's Álvaro de Bazán, finds a twin of HMAS Sydney

A Spanish design behind the Hobart class

The explanation lies in Spain's F-100 frigates, designed and built by Navantia in Ferrol. The Álvaro de Bazán was the first of the family. Australia used that architecture as the basis for its three Hobart-class destroyers: HMAS Hobart, HMAS Brisbane and HMAS Sydney. Navantia took part in the design and provided technical support, while construction took place in Australia through an industrial programme involving ASC, Raytheon and the Australian government. Sydney, the third and last unit, entered service on 18 May 2020.

A shared structure does not mean identical equipment, because Australia adapted the design to its own operational requirements. Both classes use the Aegis combat system, which links radar data with weapons to detect and counter air threats. Sydney also carries anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, sonar, naval artillery and can operate helicopters. Newton noted differences in the Spanish crew's daily routines and procedures, and praised the atmosphere on board, with barbecues on the flight deck, music and warm hospitality.

A hurricane and seven ships

The stay also became a test of international coordination. Once the main missile-defence drills were finished, the participating ships had to leave the area ahead of a hurricane with winds of up to 121 km/h. Seven ships needed fuel before they could move away safely. Newton helped coordinate the movements and refuelling from the Álvaro de Bazán, while the US logistics ship USNS Washington Chambers supplied fuel. All seven vessels reached safer waters before the storm arrived.

The episode shows how far a naval programme created for Spain's navy has travelled, and how Spanish shipbuilding in Ferrol underpins part of Australia's naval air defence.