Rota Naval Base has begun preparations to host the Spanish Navy’s future F-110 frigates.

Rota Naval Base has begun modifying its infrastructure to accommodate the Spanish Navy’s future Bonifaz-class (F-110) frigates. The work now under way is intended to provide the base with the capabilities required to operate, maintain and support these new surface combatants.

According to available information, the upgraded infrastructure will enable the base to meet the technical and logistical requirements of the F-110 class, which is expected to become one of the Spanish fleet’s core assets over the coming decades. Rota Naval Base plays a central role in Spain’s naval deployments, making this adaptation essential to the gradual introduction of the new ships.

Progress on the F-110 programme

The upgrades at Rota Naval Base sit within the broader progress of the F-110 frigate programme, which is being developed by the shipbuilder Navantia. In April 2025, the company reached another milestone when it formally began building the third ship in the series, F-113 Menéndez de Avilés, at its facilities in Ferrol, A Coruña. At the same time, F-112 Roger de Lauria was being assembled in the dry dock.

Navantia was awarded the F-110 programme in 2019, initially for three ships; this figure was increased to five in 2022. The total estimated value of the project stands at €4.325 billion and is overseen by the Ministry of Defence’s Directorate-General of Armament and Materiel (DGAM).

One of the programme’s key innovations is the introduction of a digital twin: a virtual replica of each ship designed to improve maintenance and operations through real-time updates.

Status of the ships under construction

Construction of the first ship of the class, F-111 Bonifaz, began in April 2022 and reached 85% completion in terms of block assembly at Dock 2 of the Ferrol shipyard. Its launch was expected in the following months, ahead of the original timetable. Meanwhile, F-112 Roger de Lauria was in Dock 3, where the keel was laid, with a launch initially planned for 2026.

In September 2025, Navantia launched F-111 Bonifaz-the first of five F-110-class frigates intended for the Spanish Navy-into the sea. The ceremony took place at 19:00 and was attended by the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, as well as Her Majesty Queen Sofía, the ship’s sponsor, alongside senior Navy officers and representatives of the shipyard.

F-110 Bonifaz-class characteristics

The new F-110 class is based on the F-100-class design currently in service with the Spanish Navy, while adding improvements to air-defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities. These frigates are intended to progressively replace the Santa María-class ships, which are approaching the end of their service lives after decades in operation.

As for the rest of the series, construction of F-113 Menéndez de Avilés began in 2025 and it is scheduled to be launched in 2028. The final two ships, F-114 Luis de Córdoba and F-115 Barceló, are due to begin construction soon, with launches planned for 2029 and 2030, respectively.

Against this backdrop, the adaptation of Rota Naval Base represents a complementary step alongside the programme’s industrial development. Modernising the base’s facilities will enable these frigates to enter service and will ensure they receive the necessary support throughout their operational lives in the Spanish Navy.

Images are for illustrative purposes only.

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