Bonifaz, the first F-110-class frigate destined for the Spanish Navy, has been launched at Navantia’s shipyard in Ferrol, A Coruna.
The new warship was launched last week in a ceremony attended by Her Majesty Queen Sofía and the President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sánchez.
Also present were a host of industry and naval dignitaries including Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Teodoro López Calderón, the Chief of Staff of the Navy Admiral Antonio Piñeiro, and Navantia’s Chairman Ricardo Domínguez.
Named after the first Admiral of Castile Ramón Bonifaz, the warship’s launch has arrived one month ahead of the projected schedule; as per Navantia, she is now about 70% complete.
The final fitting-out process and sea trials will follow ahead of her scheduled delivery date in 2028. Bonifaz is the first of five frigates ordered in the class in a €4.3 billion programme; construction has already begun on two more ships at the same A Coruna shipyard.
The programme began back in 2019; the frigates boast anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities. They feature Navantia’s SCOMBA combat system and an integrated mast to optimise electromagnetic spectrum use and reduce the warship’s radar signature.
The highly-automated platforms also incorporate a digital twin and sensor network embedded in the ship’s lighting infrastructure to enable lean manning and data-driven decision-making.
At the launch Adm. Piñeiro commented: “The frigate Bonifaz is not merely a new vessel; it embodies Spain’s commitment to innovation and technological sovereignty. This ship will provide a decisive strategic and deterrent advantage, and in line with our Armada 2050 vision, it reflects our firm intent to anticipate future challenges.”
- You can read more details on the Navantia website