Spain’s New F110 Frigates: Three Next-Gen Warships Now Under Construction at Navantia

Spain is making steady progress on its next-generation warships, as Navantia’s shipyard in Ferrol, A Coruña, recently marked two important milestones in the construction of its advanced F110 frigates for the Spanish Navy. Last Friday, the construction of the third ship in the series, the F113 ‘Menéndez de Avilés’, officially began, while the keel of the second ship, F112 ‘Roger de Lauria’, was laid — both ahead of schedule.

With these developments, three of the planned five F110-class frigates are now under construction, showcasing Spain’s growing shipbuilding capabilities and modern defense strategy.

A New Era for the Spanish Navy

The F110 frigate program, formally approved in 2019, aims to deliver five state-of-the-art warships designed for multi-role operations. These vessels are meant to replace the older Santa María-class frigates and will significantly boost the Spanish Navy’s operational strength, especially in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.

What makes the F110 series stand out is its focus on digital innovation and advanced automation. The construction of F113 ‘Menéndez de Avilés’ began three months ahead of schedule using a robotic welding cell, a cutting-edge industrial system developed by Navantia’s Innovation and Robotics Center. This system employs artificial vision, flexible programming, and process automation to speed up construction, improve welding quality, and cut manufacturing time.

Similarly, the F112 ‘Roger de Lauria’ had its keel laid seven months earlier than planned. Its construction is now underway beside the first ship in the series, the F111 ‘Ramon Bonifaz’, which is already over 85% assembled and preparing for its launch in the coming months.

Introducing the Digital Twin Concept

A standout feature of the F110 program is the introduction of the Digital Twin — a virtual replica of each frigate that mirrors the physical ship in real-time. This digital version continuously receives data from an onboard network of sensors and uses technologies like Cloud Computing, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to track the ship’s condition, predict maintenance needs, and support operations remotely, even thousands of miles away.

This innovation will make Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard a global benchmark for smart shipbuilding and set a new standard for naval maintenance and operational readiness.

Specifications of the F110 Frigates

Here’s a closer look at what these new-generation frigates offer:

• Class Name: Bonifaz-class (F110)

• Number of Ships Planned: 5

• Displacement: Approx. 6,100 tons

• Length: Around 145 meters

• Beam: 18 meters

• Top Speed: 26+ knots

• Range: 4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots

• Crew Capacity: About 150 personnel, with accommodation for additional personnel depending on mission needs

Key Systems & Capabilities:

• Advanced SCOMBA Combat Management System

• Aegis-based SPY-7 (V)1 radar by Lockheed Martin

• Multi-role capabilities: Anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare

• Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for surface-to-air missiles

• Modern sonar suite for submarine detection

• Digital Twin integration for real-time monitoring and maintenance

• Helicopter hangar and flight deck for medium-sized naval helicopters (NH90 or SH-60 Seahawk)

Boosting Spain’s Naval Power

The F110 frigates are more than just warships. They represent Spain’s push for greater strategic autonomy and technological independence in defense. By investing in these digitally advanced, multi-role vessels, Spain is strengthening its maritime security, contributing to NATO operations, and opening new export opportunities in the global naval market.

The program’s successful progress, months ahead of schedule, highlights the capability and efficiency of Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard and the Spanish defense industry at large. When completed, the five Bonifaz-class frigates will become the backbone of the Spanish Navy’s surface fleet for decades to come.