The Spanish Council of Ministers has authorized the mid-life modernization of the navy’s F100 frigate fleet.
Navantia, the country’s primary naval shipbuilder, will conduct the overhaul—estimated at 3.2 billion euros ($3.71 billion)—within a 120-month timeframe following the contract signature.
Delivered between 2002 and 2012, the five Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates will undergo upgrades designed to extend their operational service until at least 2045.
The modernization program will tackle system obsolescence, unify upgraded components across the class, enhance performance and operability, and ensure the vessels meet contemporary environmental standards.
The initiative is forecast to contribute an average of 215 million euros ($250 million) annually to Spain’s GDP and maintain approximately 3,500 jobs across the national industrial base.
As versatile escort ships, the F100 frigates are capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare operations, playing a critical role in fleet defense and power projection.
The ships are 146.7 meters (481 feet) long, 18.6 meters (61 feet) wide, and have a draft of 4.75 meters (15.58 feet), displacing 5,900 tons standard and 6,594 tons at full load.
Their propulsion system—two LM2500 gas turbines paired with two Caterpillar 3600 diesel engines—allows speeds up to 28 knots (52 km/32 mph) and a cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km/5,178 mi) at 18 knots. Each vessel carries a crew complement of 201.
Notably, the F100s were Europe’s first warships fitted with the Aegis combat system from Lockheed Martin, integrating the AN/SPY-1D radar and the MK 41 Vertical Launch System capable of deploying a variety of missiles.
Their armament includes dual four-cell Boeing Harpoon launchers, a MK 45 Mod 2 naval gun, and a Meroka 2B close-in weapon system.
During modernization, the Harpoons will be replaced with Naval Strike Missiles.
