The Spanish Navy and Navantia are collaborating on a new frigate design, building upon the existing F110 ‘Bonifaz’ class to deliver enhanced air and missile defence capabilities.
This initiative is aligned with the Spanish Navy’s Armada 2050 strategy and aims to address evolving security demands through expanded operational versatility and advanced digital systems.
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According to Navantia, the new platform, provisionally named F110 Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), is intended to offer robust protection against air, ballistic, and cruise missile threats.
It will introduce significant upgrades, including an extended vertical launch system that supports various missile types and a next-generation command and control suite, the SCOMBA New Generation (NG) combat management system.
This system is designed for cloud hosting and deep integration with sensors, autonomous vehicles, and onboard networks to provide a cohesive tactical environment for task group operations.
Maintaining the multi-mission priorities of the current F110 programme, the future frigate will continue to offer anti-submarine, anti-surface, electronic warfare, and asymmetric threat response capabilities.
Plans also call for mission flexibilities such as modular spaces, accommodation for a second helicopter, and unmanned vehicle support.
Navantia stated that the F110 IAMD’s advanced architecture will prioritise interoperability with Nato and European Union forces, enabling seamless information exchanges within joint and multi-domain operational networks.
Its open, scalable, and cyber-secure framework is intended to streamline the incorporation of new sensors and defensive technologies needed to counter emerging threats, including next-generation missiles and uncrewed systems.
Enhancements in platform endurance and speed are expected to facilitate participation in extended deployments and demanding multinational operations.
The frigate will use digital twin technology and condition-based maintenance to increase operational availability and inform crew training.
This next phase in frigate development will see close cooperation among the Spanish Navy, Spain’s Ministry of Defence, and Navantia to finalise requirements and procurement.
The shipbuilder noted that the programme is designed to sustain Spain’s sovereign naval design and shipbuilding expertise, with continued engagement from over 500 domestic industry partners, technology centres, and academic institutions.
The new ships are intended to complement the five F110 frigates now under construction, further evolving the F110 class to strengthen the Spanish fleet’s defensive capabilities and contribute to allied European and Nato missions.
