The Spanish Navy and Navantia are jointly defining a new frigate variant based on the F110 class under construction, designed to enhance air and missile defense capabilities.
Dubbed F110 IAMD (Integrated Air and Missile Defence), the variant will address requirements outlined in the Spanish Navy’s Armada 2050 plan.
It is intended to counter aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles while providing area air defense, escorting high-value assets, and coordinating defenses within naval task groups. Greater speed and endurance will support extended deployments and demanding joint operations.
Enhanced Capabilities
The F110 IAMD will feature improved detection, tracking, and engagement of multiple threats at longer ranges, alongside expanded vertical launch capacity for a wider range of mission-specific missiles.
Its next-generation SCOMBA combat management system will integrate sensors, weapons, autonomous systems, and data links into a common tactical network. An open, scalable, and cyber-secure architecture will enable interoperability with NATO and EU forces while allowing upgrades to counter emerging missile threats and uncrewed systems.
The frigate will retain anti-submarine, anti-surface, electronic warfare, and asymmetric threat capabilities, with space for mission modules, a second helicopter, and uncrewed vehicles. Digital Twin technology and condition-based maintenance will improve availability, efficiency, and crew training.
The variant is intended to complement the five F110 frigates under construction and strengthen the fleet’s air and missile defenses.
The F110 Bonifaz Frigate
Spain’s F110 Bonifaz-class frigates are designed for multidomain operations, combining torpedoes, naval guns, machine guns, and air defense, anti-ship, and land-attack missiles to counter conventional and emerging threats.
The 145-meter (476-foot) frigates have an 18-meter (59-foot) beam and a propulsion system combining a gas turbine, four diesel engines, and controllable-pitch propellers to achieve speeds exceeding 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
Each ship can accommodate up to 150 sailors and a helicopter comparable in size to the SH-60 Seahawk or NH90.
Navantia is building the five-ship F110 fleet to replace the Spanish Navy’s aging Álvaro de Bazán– and Santa María-class frigates.
Lead ship SPS Bonifaz (F111) is undergoing system installation and testing ahead of sea trials, with delivery expected in 2028. SPS Roger de Lauria (F112) has completed its primary hull structure ahead of launch, while construction of the third and fourth ships, SPS Menéndez de Avilés (F113) and SPS Luis de Córdova (F114), continues.