Spanish Navy Launches First F-110 Frigate Bonifaz at Ferrol Shipyard

The Spanish Navy commissioned its first Navantia-built F-110 class frigate, Bonifaz (F-111), on September 11 at Ferrol Shipyard in Galicia.

The F-110 class was contracted in April 2019, for €4.325 billion to replace the Navy’s six Santa María-class frigates, which were based on the American Oliver Hazard Perry design. They will be commissioned between 2028 and 2032. The second and third ships, Roger de Lauria (F-112) and Menéndez de Avilés (F-113), are already being built. Steel cutting for Luis de Córdova (F-114) is anticipated this year, then Barceló (F-115) in 2026.

The F-110 class is an upgrade of the Álvaro de Bazán (F-100) design. All ships have a length of 145 meters and a displacement of 6,100 tons. These ships are equipped with a CODELADOG hybrid propulsion system of a GE LM-2500 gas turbine, four MTU 4000 diesels, and two electric motors, giving speeds of more than 26 knots and a range of approximately 4,100 nautical miles at 15 knots.

Armament will consist of a 127 mm OTO Melara main gun, anti-ship Harpoon missiles, Naval Strike Missiles procured in 2023, torpedo launchers, close-in weapons systems, and a vertical launch system for the SM-2 and ESSM Block 2 surface-to-air missiles. The aviation package will consist of two NH90 NFH helicopters.

A distinguishing feature of the class is the incorporation of a MASTIN mast, which will accommodate the AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar, SCOMBA combat system, electronic warfare systems, and communications packages. Modular construction will enable role adaptability, while sonar systems will be supplied by SAES, and communications by Navantia Sistemas and Rohde & Schwarz Spain.