The Spanish Navy and shipbuilder Navantia are jointly developing a new variant of the F110 Bonifaz-class frigate to strengthen Spain’s air and missile defence capabilities. Designated the F110 IAMD (Integrated Air and Missile Defence), the proposed variant is intended to address future operational requirements outlined in the Spanish Navy’s Armada 2050 plan.
The new frigate concept is designed to counter aircraft, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles while providing area air defence, protecting high-value naval assets and coordinating defensive operations across naval task groups. Enhanced speed and endurance are also expected to support extended deployments and demanding joint operations.
Enhanced Air and Missile Defence Capabilities
The F110 IAMD is expected to feature improved capabilities for detecting, tracking and engaging multiple threats at greater ranges. An expanded vertical launch system capacity would allow the vessel to accommodate a broader selection of mission-specific missiles, strengthening its ability to respond to evolving aerial and missile threats.
A central component of the proposed design is the next-generation SCOMBA combat management system. The system is intended to integrate sensors, weapons, autonomous platforms and tactical data links into a common operational network, improving situational awareness and coordination during complex engagements.
The planned architecture will emphasise scalability, cybersecurity and interoperability with NATO and European Union forces. Its upgrade potential is intended to help the frigate adapt to emerging threats, including increasingly sophisticated missiles and uncrewed systems.
Beyond air and missile defence, the vessel is expected to retain anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare and asymmetric-threat protection capabilities. The design concept also considers space for mission modules, a second helicopter and uncrewed vehicles, providing flexibility for a wider range of naval operations.
Digital Twin technology and condition-based maintenance are expected to support equipment monitoring, predictive maintenance, crew training and improved operational availability.
The F110 IAMD is intended to complement the five F110 frigates currently under construction, providing a potential pathway for further strengthening the Spanish Navy’s future air and missile defence architecture.
Overview of the F110 Bonifaz-Class Frigates
Spain’s F110 Bonifaz-class frigates are being developed as advanced multi-mission surface combatants capable of operating across multiple warfare domains. Their planned capabilities combine torpedoes, naval guns, machine guns and air-defence, anti-ship and land-attack missiles to address conventional and emerging maritime threats.
The vessels measure approximately 145 metres (476 feet) in length, with a beam of around 18 metres (59 feet). Their propulsion architecture combines a gas turbine, four diesel engines and controllable-pitch propellers, with a planned maximum speed exceeding 25 knots (approximately 46 kilometres per hour).
Each frigate is designed to accommodate up to 150 sailors and operate a helicopter comparable in size to the SH-60 Seahawk or NH90, supporting maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and other mission requirements.
Navantia is constructing the five-ship F110 fleet to replace the Spanish Navy’s ageing Álvaro de Bazán- and Santa María-class frigates. The programme represents a significant investment in Spain’s domestic naval shipbuilding and advanced combat-system integration capabilities.
F110 Construction and Delivery Progress
Construction of the F110 fleet is progressing across multiple stages of assembly, equipment installation and system integration.
The lead ship, SPS Bonifaz (F111), is undergoing system installation and testing ahead of its planned sea trials, with delivery expected in 2028. The second vessel, SPS Roger de Lauria (F112), has completed its primary hull structure ahead of launch.
Construction of the third and fourth frigates, SPS Menéndez de Avilés (F113) and SPS Luis de Córdova (F114), is also continuing as Navantia advances the programme.
Strengthening Spain’s Future Naval Defence
The proposed F110 IAMD variant reflects Spain’s growing emphasis on integrated air and missile defence, network-enabled operations and the protection of naval task groups against increasingly complex threats.
By combining enhanced sensor and weapons integration with expanded missile-launch capacity and an adaptable combat management architecture, the concept could provide an additional layer of protection for Spanish naval forces and allied operations.
Its development also highlights the importance of digital engineering, advanced maintenance technologies and domestic shipbuilding in future naval programmes. However, the final configuration, procurement decision, construction schedule and operational
