Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard has formally laid the keel for Menéndez de Avilés (F113), the third frigate in the Spain’s F110 programme.
The ceremony was held during regular working hours and attended by senior representatives from the Spanish Ministry of Defence and Navantia, including admiral Aniceto Rosique, director general for Armament and Material, and Navantia chairman Ricardo Domínguez.
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According to Navantia, the keel laying was achieved seven months ahead of the contractual date, reflecting the programme’s accelerated pace.
This milestone initiates the next phase of construction for the vessel, with block assembly set to continue on slipway 2 at the Ferrol yard. This space was previously used for the lead ship in the series, F111 “Bonifaz”.
The Spanish F110 programme, authorised in 2019, encompasses five new multi-mission frigates at a total value of €4.33bn ($4.94bn).
Currently, four F110 frigates are under construction at various stages.
The first ship, Bonifaz (F111) is currently afloat at berth 10, where primary systems are being installed and commissioned in preparation for sea trials.
The next critical steps for this vessel include the activation of the Integrated Platform Management System and installation of the SPY-7 radar. Delivery of the Bonifaz is planned for 2028, according to Navantia.
Meanwhile, the Roger de Lauria (F112) positioned on slipway 3, recently reached a structural milestone with the bow block joining the main hull.
Preparations for its launch, scheduled for after the summer, are now underway, with work having already started to support the ceremony. The installation of the mast remains pending.
The construction of Luis de Córdova (F114) is taking place alongside the commissioning of Navantia’s new Digital Block Factory at Ferrol.
This modernised facility is expected to become fully operational in the coming weeks, supporting the production of advanced naval vessels and representing a change in Ferrol’s approach to military shipbuilding, the company said.
Intended as multi-purpose escort vessels, the F110 class is designed to deliver anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities, while also supporting maritime security and civilian tasks when required.
Described by the Spanish Navy as providing multi-domain warfare capabilities, the F110 frigates are being outfitted to address contemporary and emerging hybrid warfare threats.
The programme also features the implementation of a Digital Twin, a virtual model of the frigate developed in collaboration with the Spanish Navy and the Directorate General of Armament and Material.
This system receives continual data from sensors distributed throughout the vessel, creating a cyber-physical platform that supports ship maintenance and operations remotely.
Utilising technologies such as cloud computing, machine learning and the Internet of Things, the Digital Twin enables real-time monitoring and management of the ship from shore, even when the vessel is operating at a considerable distance.
