Navantia splashes Spanish Navy’s first F-110 frigate

September 12, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has launched F111 Bonifaz, the first frigate of the F-110 program being built for the Spanish Navy.

As disclosed, the launching ceremony took place at the Ferrol shipyard on September 11, 2025. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Spain, the President of the Xunta of Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, the Government Delegate in Galicia, Pedro Blanco, and the Mayor of Ferrol, José Manuel Rey, along with military leaders such as the Chief of the Defence Staff (JEMAD), Admiral Teodoro López Calderón, and key figures from the naval industry, including Navantia’s president, Ricardo Domínguez.

The vessel was named in honour of Ramón Bonifaz, the first Admiral of Castile. According to Navantia, the F111 was launched one month ahead of schedule.

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The F110 frigates, also known as the Bonifaz-class multi-mission frigates, are designed to replace the Santa Maria-class frigates and will play a crucial role in force and fleet protection.

The program, whose execution order was signed in 2019, includes the construction of five units worth €4.325 million. These ships will have anti-aircraft, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities, and will be able to operate in combination with other units. They are versatile ships that can also perform functions related to maritime security and support to civil authorities.

In April this year, Navantia held a double ceremony in which the keel of the F112 was laid and the first steel of the F113 was cut as part of the Spanish Navy’s F-110 program.