F-111 Bonifaz launched in Ferrol. A historic milestone for the Spanish Navy and shipbuilding industry

A ceremony of national significance

More than 5,000 people gathered at Navantia’s Ferrol facilities to witness the launch. Employees, their families, subcontractors, and local residents filled the stands for what became both a technical milestone and a civic celebration.

The christening followed long-standing naval tradition: a bottle of Albariño wine was broken against the ship’s hull as the vessel slid into the water to the sound of the Spanish national anthem, performed by the Tercio Norte Naval Band. The ship was blessed by Navy Chaplain Vicente Hernández Chumillas.

The launch was presided over by Queen Sofía, who acted as the ship’s sponsor, and attended by top-level authorities including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Defence Minister Margarita Robles, Admiral Antonio Piñeiro (AJEMA, Chief of the Navy), and Navantia’s Chairman Ricardo Domínguez.

- This milestone defines a new era in the history of our Navy. It is a decisive day for Spain’s naval industry, for Ferrol, for Galicia, and for the entire nation, said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

- The F-111 is not just a new ship. It is the embodiment of Spain’s commitment to innovation and technological sovereignty, add Admiral Antonio Piñeiro, AJEMA.

- The F-110 programme represents Spanish innovation and engineering at its best. We are confident it will replicate the international success of the F-100 class, said Ricardo Domínguez, Chairman of Navantia.

F-111 Bonifaz: first of a new generation

The frigate takes its name from Ramón Bonifaz, the 13th-century Admiral of Castile who secured a historic naval victory at Seville. The symbolism links Spain’s medieval maritime heritage with its technological future.

The ship was launched one month ahead of schedule, already over 70% complete, with delivery scheduled for 2028.

A technological leap forward

The F-111 introduces groundbreaking capabilities to the Spanish Navy:

• Digital Twin: a full virtual replica that collects and analyses operational data in real time to enhance maintenance, logistics, and training.
• Integrated Mast: a single structure housing AESA radars, infrared sensors, electronic warfare equipment, and IFF systems.
• SCOMBA Combat System: Spain’s indigenous combat management system, integrating weapons, sensors, and unmanned systems with NATO-level interoperability.
• Smart Ship Network: more than 2,000 intelligent nodes under the SSI (Integrated Services System), streamlining cabling, diagnostics, and energy efficiency.
• Full-spectrum warfare: advanced anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities.

The F-110 class is designed not just as a replacement for the successful F-100 Álvaro de Bazán class, but as a platform that will guide Spanish naval operations into the mid-21st century.

The F-110 programme: five pillars of the future

Spain plans to build five Bonifaz-class frigates under the programme, a cornerstone of the #Armada2050 strategy.

• Timeline: a 10+ year programme.
• Workforce: more than 9,000 jobs across Spain.
• Industry: involvement of around 500 companies nationwide.
• Strategic role: ensuring innovation, digitalisation, and technological sovereignty while strengthening NATO interoperability.

National and regional impact

For Ferrol, a city whose identity is deeply tied to naval construction, the launch of Bonifaz is a symbol of continuity and renewal. For Spain, it is an investment in technological independence, industrial strength, and operational excellence at sea.

The launch of the F-111 Bonifaz is far more than a shipyard milestone. It represents Spain’s entry into a new era of naval warfare, underpinned by innovation and sovereignty. With delivery scheduled for 2028, the Bonifaz will stand among the most advanced frigates worldwide, while Navantia and Ferrol reinforce their position at the forefront of European naval shipbuilding.