Spanish Navy’s F-110 frigate program hits a milestone

May 21, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has started up two of four diesel generators on the Spanish Navy’s first frigate of the F110 program.

This latest achievement follows the F111 frigate Bonifaz previously reaching the milestone of energizing its switchboards using external shore power. With the start-up of the diesel generator sets, the ship is now capable of generating electricity independently, representing a key step towards full operational capability.

The vessel, currently berthed at Navantia’s Pier 10 in Ferrol, is thus advancing the commissioning of its electrical plant as part of a program progressing in line with the established schedule.

The start-up process for the four diesel generator sets, carried out in cooperation with the Engineering, Shipbuilding and Works Headquarters of the Ferrol Naval Arsenal (ICOFER), is being conducted over several days.

The next step will be the activation of the integrated platform control system (IPCS), followed by the start-up of the electric propulsion motors during the summer and, subsequently, the commissioning of the gas turbine, thereby completing the installation and full commissioning of the F111’s propulsion system by the end of this year.

The F111 is equipped with four diesel generator sets developed by the Cartagena Engine Factory. Each ship in the class features four generator sets to meet all the frigate’s operational requirements, complying with the Spanish Navy’s demanding technical, functional, quality and environmental standards.

According to Navantia, the F110-class propulsion system combines diesel-electric propulsion with a gas turbine (CODELAG – combined diesel electric and gas), enabling operation in electric-only, gas turbine-only, or combined propulsion modes. The system includes two 3.4 MW electric propulsion motors, a 22 MW gas turbine, and a retractable azimuth bow thruster.

The F112 frigate Roger de Lauria is progressing on the slipway and is close to completing its hull structure, with 27 of the 32 blocks assembled before launch already in place. Its launch is scheduled after the summer.

Meanwhile, the F113 Menéndez de Avilés continues construction in the workshops, with 28 blocks in various stages of production.

Keel laying is planned in the coming weeks, alongside the start of fabrication work for the F114 Luis de Córdova

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.