Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has launched the first F-110-class frigate, F-111 Bonifaz, a key milestone in the modernization of the Spanish Navy’s surface fleet.
The launch comes more than three years after construction began in April 2022, with delivery scheduled for 2028.
The ship, named after Ramón Bonifaz, the first Admiral of Castile, was launched a month ahead of schedule with more than 70 percent of its construction already completed.
The five F-110, or Bonifaz-class, frigates are set to replace the six Santa María-class vessels, the first of which entered service in 1986.
In March 2019, the Spanish government approved 4.3 billion euros ($5.09 billion) in funding for the construction of the five frigates.
At present, three of the five F-110 vessels are under construction at Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard, with delivery scheduled in 2028, 2029, and 2030.
The entire fleet is expected to be delivered to the Spanish Navy by 2032.
F-110-Class Frigate
Measuring 145 meters (476 feet) in length with a beam of 18 meters (59 feet), the frigate is designed for multi-role operations, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, as well as joint operations and maritime security missions in coordination with civil authorities.
The vessel can carry up to 150 troops and a single marine helicopter, such as an SH-60 Seahawk.
It is armed with torpedoes, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, naval guns, guided munitions, and machine guns.
The vessel is propelled by a gas turbine and four diesel engines coupled to controllable-pitch propellers, allowing it to reach speeds of over 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
