Navantia Advances F-110 Programme for Spanish Navy

Our Bureau - : Jan 19, 2026 - : 12:06 am

Navantia’s F-110 frigate programme for the Spanish Navy continues to progress ahead of schedule, with construction milestones being achieved earlier than planned. The lead ship of the class, F-111 Bonifaz, was launched in September last year at Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard in northern Spain. Navantia is scheduled to launch the second ship of the class, F-112, later this year, while keel laying for the F-113 is also expected to take place in 2026 — both milestones being achieved ahead of schedule.

The F-111 Bonifaz is designed to undertake a full spectrum of missions, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. Approved in 2019, the F-110 programme is now advancing several months ahead of its original timeline. Construction of the F-111 will continue at Ferrol ahead of its planned delivery in 2028.

The F-110 frigates are equipped with Navantia’s SCOMBA combat management system, developed by the company’s Systems division. Acting as the ship’s core command and control architecture, SCOMBA enables real-time processing and integration of sensor, radar, and weapons data. The design also incorporates an integrated mast, mounted on the superstructure, which optimizes electromagnetic spectrum use and reduces the vessel’s radar signature.

The programme also incorporates advanced digital initiatives, including the use of a digital twin and an Integrated Services System (ISS). Together, these technologies support data-driven decision-making, higher levels of automation, reduced crew requirements, and future integration of unmanned systems.

Developed in collaboration with the Spanish Navy and the Directorate General for Armament and Materiel, the digital twin is a virtual replica of the ship powered by onboard sensors and technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and machine learning. It supports both operational effectiveness and long-term maintenance planning.

The digital twin is complemented by the Integrated Services System (ISS), a sensor-based neural network embedded within the ship’s lighting infrastructure. Developed in cooperation with the Navy and the University of Vigo, the ISS contributes to the development of a broader innovation ecosystem around the F-110 programme.

Beyond operational capability, the F-110 programme represents a significant industrial and technological undertaking for Spain. The programme is expected to generate approximately 9,000 jobs over more than a decade, involving around 500 companies nationwide, while strengthening Spain’s strategic autonomy and supporting future export opportunities.