Navantia lays keel of first Spanish F-110-class frigate

An artist’s rendering of the F-110 design. In terms of role and capability, the ship is intended to fit between the 2,500 tonne, 94 m BAM offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and the 5,800 tonne, 147 m F-100 frigates. (Navantia)

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia held a keel-laying ceremony for the first F-110-class frigate for the Spanish Navy in Ferrol, Spain, on 9 August.

Almirante Bonifaz (F 111) is the first of five new frigates on order for the navy. A EUR4.325 billion (USD4.746 billion) contract for the five ships was signed in April 2019, and construction of the ships began in April 2022. The programme is intended to feature substantial indigenous participation, with Navantia reporting that approximately 500 Spanish companies will be involved.