Spain’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the LHD Juan Carlos I, is currently docked in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and will be open to public visits as part of the Spanish Armed Forces Day (DIFAS) 2025 celebrations.
From tomorrow, Wednesday, through to Sunday, residents and visitors in Tenerife will have a rare opportunity to explore two of the most sophisticated vessels in the Spanish Navy: the Juan Carlos I and the frigate Álvaro de Bazán.
The flagship Juan Carlos I arrived on Monday, while the Álvaro de Bazán is scheduled to dock tomorrow. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, both vessels will take part in a range of public and official events aimed at showcasing the capabilities and commitment of Spain’s Armed Forces to the people of Tenerife.
Public Visiting Hours
The Juan Carlos I is currently open to visitors as follows:
Visiting hours for the days following these are expected to be announced shortly.
A Showcase of Naval Power
The Juan Carlos I is a Strategic Projection Ship (Buque de Proyección Estratégica), designed for amphibious and air-naval operations. It serves as the flagship of the Spanish Navy’s Amphibious and Projection Group and boasts a flight deck and a floodable well dock.
At 231 metres in length and with a crew of approximately 300, the vessel can deploy a reinforced Marine Landing Group, including combat vehicles, helicopters, and AV-8B Harrier II Plus aircraft.
On board is also a reinforced landing platform from the Spanish Marine Infantry Brigade Tercio de Armada, which will present a static exhibition during the ship's stay on the island.
Meanwhile, the Álvaro de Bazán is an F-100 class air-defence frigate equipped with the AEGIS combat system, SPY-1D radar, and SM-2 missiles. With a crew of around 200, the ship plays a vital role in NATO naval operations, offering cutting-edge technology and seamless integration into multinational task forces.
Historic Forces, Modern Commitment
The Tercio de Armada is Spain’s elite amphibious unit and the only force within the Spanish Military capable of executing amphibious operations in any operational setting. With over 400 years of history, the Spanish Marine Infantry is the oldest in the world and continues to play a critical role in the Navy’s expeditionary missions.
The participation of these units in DIFAS 2025 underscores the Navy’s commitment to Spanish society and its enduring dedication to unity, service, and national defence.
