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MADRID (BNS): The Spanish Navy has received its third Maritime Action Ship (BAM) ‘Lightening’ from Navantia ship-building company.

The ship was launched at the El Astillero San Fernando-Puerto Real shipyard on Wednesday in the presence of the Spanish Navy Chief and other naval officials, the Navy said.

The BAM ‘Lightening’ is the third vessel built by Navantia under a 2006 contract with the Navy.

The Maritime Action Ship has been designed to carry out military missions against asymmetric or conventional threats by means of presence (deterrence), surveillance (prevention) and limited actions (neutralisation), according to the Spanish Navy.

With a length of 94 meters and water displacement of 2,500 tons, the new ships can cruise at a maximum speed of 20.5 knots (10.54 m/s).

The new vessels will be armed with light weapons and have rescue equipment to assist in catastrophes with medical facilities, cargo transport, means to fight sea pollution and a helicopter platform.

They will replace the 'Barceló', 'Anaga', 'Conejera', 'Toralla' and 'Descubierta' class patrol boats in the Spanish Navy.