Spanish Navy and Navantia Plan F110 Frigate IAMD Variant

Strategic Naval Planning

The Spanish Navy and state-owned shipbuilding enterprise Navantia are reportedly advancing plans to develop an evolved variant of the F110 Bonifaz-class frigate. According to announcements from Navantia, the modified design is intended to be optimised for integrated air and missile defence (IAMD).

Navantia stated that the proposed Flight II design will address specific requirements outlined by the Spanish Navy under its Armada 2050 fleet plan. A formal project definition study for this evolved variant is reportedly scheduled to commence in early 2027.

Background and Fleet Integration

The baseline F110 programme was initiated to replace the aging F-80 Santa María-class frigates. While the baseline F110 vessels were primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare with secondary anti-air warfare capabilities, the newer IAMD-focused variant aims to enhance broader defence capabilities.

Key baseline combat system elements include:

• Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar technology
• International Aegis Fire Control Loop (IAFCL)
• Indigenous SCOMBA combat management system developed by Navantia Sistemas
• MK 41 vertical launching system infrastructure

Verification and Next Steps

Observers seeking to verify official project details can consult official announcements published by Navantia or public communications from the Spanish Navy. Independent defence publications and official corporate press releases provide ongoing updates regarding procurement timelines and technical specifications as the project definition phase approaches.