Navantia Launches F-110 Frigate ‘Bonifaz’ with Aegis and SCOMBA for Spanish Navy

On September 13, 2025, Spanish shipbuilder Navantia launched the first of its next-generation F-110 class frigates—F111 ‘Bonifaz’—at its Ferrol shipyard. Designed as a multi-mission surface combatant for the Spanish Navy (Armada Española), the F-110 integrates cutting-edge sensors and combat systems including Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Baseline 9 and Spain’s indigenous SCOMBA architecture. The launch marks a significant milestone in Spain’s naval modernization program.

F-110 Program Overview

The F-110 class is a five-ship program intended to replace the aging Santa María-class (based on the U.S. Oliver Hazard Perry design) in Spanish service. The program was formally initiated in 2019 with a €4.3 billion contract awarded to Navantia by Spain’s Ministry of Defense. The lead ship—F111 Bonifaz—is named after Admiral Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta and is expected to be delivered by 2028 following outfitting and sea trials.

The frigates are designed to operate across anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) domains. They will serve as key nodes in NATO maritime task groups and national expeditionary operations.

Number of units: 5 planned
Total program cost: ~€4.3 billion
First steel cut: April 2022
Launch of F111: September 13, 2025
Expected delivery of Bonifaz: mid-to-late 2028

Combat Systems: Aegis Baseline 9 Meets SCOMBA

The most notable feature of the F-110 is its integration of Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Combat System Baseline 9 with Spain’s indigenous SCOMBA (Sistema de Combate de los Buques de la Armada) architecture developed by Navantia Sistemas and Indra.

Aegis Baseline 9 enables simultaneous ballistic missile defense (BMD) and conventional air/missile defense missions through multi-mission signal processing. It supports Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) and Link-16 interoperability within NATO frameworks.

The AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar from Lockheed Martin—based on GaN AESA technology—is central to this capability. Unlike older SPY radars used on U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers or Japanese Kongo-class ships, SPY-7 offers improved track discrimination and clutter rejection tailored for complex littoral environments.

The hybrid integration with SCOMBA allows for localized mission customization while maintaining NATO-standard interfaces—a critical factor for coalition operations.

Sensors and Weapon Systems Suite

The sensor suite aboard Bonifaz reflects a layered defense approach combining long-range surveillance with close-in situational awareness:

Main radar: AN/SPY-7(V)1 AESA radar
Navigational radar: Indra-developed solid-state X-band system
SIGINT/ESM: Indra electronic support measures suite with passive detection capabilities
Sono-processing suite: Thales CAPTAS-4 variable depth sonar + hull-mounted sonar for ASW

The weapons package includes both kinetic interceptors and soft-kill countermeasures:

Vertical Launch System (VLS): Likely Mk41 VLS supporting SM-2MR Block III/ESSM Block II missiles; potential future integration of SM-6 or other BMD interceptors remains under evaluation.
Main gun: Leonardo OTO Melara Super Rapid Gun (76 mm)
Torpedoes: MU90 Impact lightweight torpedoes via twin launchers amidships
C-UAV/C-Missile EW Suite: Indra-developed jammers and decoy dispensers integrated into the ship’s ESM/EW backbone

C4ISR Architecture & Digital Twin Integration

A defining feature of the F-110 class is its digital-first design philosophy. The ships are built around an integrated C4ISR backbone that supports real-time data fusion from onboard sensors as well as external ISR assets via Link-16/22 networks.

This includes full compatibility with NATO Federated Mission Networking (FMN) standards for joint operations. Additionally, each ship incorporates a “Digital Twin”—a virtual replica continuously updated via onboard sensors—to enable predictive maintenance, crew training simulations, and mission rehearsal scenarios using AI-assisted analytics.

This digital twin concept is supported through collaboration between Navantia Sistemas and IBM España using secure cloud-based platforms certified by Spain’s National Cryptologic Center (CCN).

Sustainability & Industrial Footprint in Spain

The F-110 program has been structured to maximize domestic industrial participation under Spain’s strategic autonomy doctrine. Over two-thirds of components are sourced from national suppliers including Indra (sensors/EW), Tecnobit Grupo Oesía (tactical datalinks), SAES (underwater systems), GMV (navigation software), and others.

The program supports over 7,000 direct/indirect jobs across Galicia, Madrid, Andalusia, Murcia regions—many tied to SMEs involved in precision machining or software development.

Sustainability features include hybrid electric propulsion options under study for later hulls; modular design enabling future upgrades; reduced radar cross-section via angular superstructure; low-emission auxiliary power units; and waste heat recovery systems integrated into HVAC loops.

Toward Operationalization: What Comes Next?

The launch of Bonifaz initiates an intensive three-year outfitting phase including installation of combat systems modules at Navantia Ferrol followed by harbor acceptance tests starting Q3/Q4 of FY26. Sea trials are expected throughout FY27–FY28 before formal delivery in late FY28 barring delays.

The second unit—F112 Roger de Lauria—is already under construction with keel laying anticipated early Q1 FY26. All five ships are slated for delivery by mid-FY33 if current schedules hold.

Strategic Implications for NATO Maritime Posture

The arrival of the F-110 class significantly enhances Spain’s contribution to NATO maritime task forces—particularly Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2)—with advanced area air defense capabilities previously lacking in older Santa María-class units limited to point-defense roles using SM-1MR missiles.

This also positions Spain among a select group operating Aegis-capable platforms alongside the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Norway, Australia—and soon Canada—with whom it shares interoperability goals under various bilateral MoUs on naval C4ISR cooperation signed since FY21.

Conclusion

The launch of ‘Bonifaz’ represents more than just another hull entering water—it signals a generational leap in European surface warfare capability tailored for high-end conflict scenarios involving peer threats across multiple domains. With its hybrid C4ISR architecture blending Aegis power projection with sovereign control layers like SCOMBA—and an eye toward digital sustainment—the F-110 sets a benchmark not just within NATO but globally among mid-tier navies seeking credible deterrence at sea.