It has not been any summer for Spain in defense. In August He knew he resigned to around 50 F-35 that the Ministry of Defense had “applauded” with the United States. It was also said that the idea was to bet on European investment In defense. The truth is that Spain has almost ready that will be a source of pride of its Navy. It is called F110 and it is a portent.
A new generation. The Bonifaz frigate launchfirst of the Class F110in the shipyards of Navantia in Ferrol, it has marked a milestone for the Spanish Navy and for the country’s own naval industry. With a degree of progress greater than 70% and delivery planned in 2028, the ship opens a series of five units conceived to replace the VETERANAS F80 SANTA MARÍAin turn heirs of American architecture Oliver Hazard Perry of the eighties.
F110 represents not only a generational relief, but also a strategic commitment to a versatile design and Highly automatedconceived from the beginning to grow and adapt to new demands. The construction of the other units already advances: the F112 has the keel placed since April 2025 and the blocks of the following frigates are mounted in parallel in the Ferrolan workshops.
A flexible ship. From its conception, the F110 was designed as a frigate Antisubmarine war First order, with a technological package that places it among the most advanced in Europe in this field. Incorporates a helmet sonar combined with the powerful Captas-4 Compact Towed of Thales, capable of detecting submarines at a great distance and precisely, in addition to a NH90 helicopter either SH-60 Dedicated to this task, accompanied by a second hangar thought for drones or unmanned systems.
All this makes the new class a multiplier of underwater forces, an increasingly relevant field in a context in which Russian underwater activity He has recovered prominence In the North Atlantic. But F110 does not give up other dimensions: it is also a Multipurpose ship with large areas of mission and space to accommodate future teams, which makes it an open platform to technological evolution.
The bonifaz frigate launch in Ferrol on September 11
The strategic dimension. One of the most distinctive elements of design is its huge mast, which houses the AN/SPy-7 radar (v) 2 From Lockheed Martin, derived from the long -range discrimination system installed in Alaska. Its high position gives you an exceptional field of vision and makes it a sensor capable of continuing even objects in space.
Although the frigate does not carry weapons capable of Intercept ballistic missiles In full flight, your data can feed allied networks, reinforcing NATO antimisile defense and complementing the capacities of Spanish F100, optimized for anti -aircraft war. The integration of this radar with the management system of National Scomba Combat It symbolizes technological cooperation with the United States without giving up its own industrial control, a balance that enhances the strategic autonomy of the Navy.
Balanced armament. In terms of aerial defense, F110 surprises with a relatively moderate arsenal compared to its predecessors: two MK 41 modules that house up to 64 Essm Block 2 missileseffective against short and medium range threats. It is a configuration that guarantees local protection and some area coverage, although the door to be integrated into the future Standard family missiles is open, which would expand the defensive scope.
In the surface fight, the ship combines the missile Naval Strike Missile of Kongsberg, with a discreet but precise and difficult scope to detect, with a 127 mm cannon in bow, two of 30 mm and light machine guns. To this are added Electronic War Systemscountermeasures, launch of fast boats and a set of sensors that reinforce their role as an escort and as a presence ship in NATO missions or the European Union.
International comparisonss. The F110 approach is part of a global trend of Polivalent frigates with anti -submarine emphasis, similar to that of the British Type 26also chosen By Australia, Canada and Norwayoa la American constellationbased on Italian design FREMM. Paradoxically, the US Navy rejected the Spanish proposal of a F100 frigate, opting for the FREMM, and today Pay the consequences with a program that accumulates delays, overweight and cost overruns.
In contrast, the Spanish calendar progress promptlywith the bonifaz even advanced to the expected. This industrial discipline reinforces the attractiveness of F110 as a possible export product in an international market that demands versatile, modern and controlled costs.
Multiple relevance. If you want also, the Incorporation of the ship War will consolidate the transition from the Navy to a fleet of complementary frigates: The F100 as specialists in area air defense and the F110 as submarine hunters with a sufficient balance in surface and air capabilities. Together, they will offer Spain a strategic combination of media adapted to the challenges of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, while projecting full interoperability with NATO allies.
Thus, F110 is not just a new ship: it is the materialization of a national strategy that combines its own technology with international integration, a bridge between tradition and future that, unlike other international programs (Many in trouble), seems to advance with a firm step and could place Navantia in the world showcase as a reference construction company.
Image | Navantia
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