Navantia Lays Keel of F113 Frigate Seven Months Ahead of Schedule

20 July 2026
Edited By: Ed Freeman

(Image Credit: Navatia)

Navantia's Ferrol shipyard has reached a new milestone in the F110 program with the keel laying of the F113 frigate "Menéndez de Avilés." The ceremony, chaired by the Director General for Armament and Material (DIGAM), Admiral Aniceto Rosique, and by Navantia's Chairman, Ricardo Domínguez, took place at midday as a working event within the framework of the shipyard's regular production activity. They were joined by the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy (AJEMA), Admiral Antonio Piñeiro, and the Director of the Ferrol shipyard, Eduardo Dobarro, as well as other representatives from the Ministry of Defense and the shipyard.

This construction milestone has been achieved seven months ahead of the contractual date, confirming the good progress of the program, the result of close cooperation between Navantia and the Ministry of Defense. This marks the start of a new phase in the vessel’s development, as block assembly continues on slipway 2—previously occupied by the F111 “Bonifaz”—until its launch.

The most advanced frigate in the series, the F111 “Bonifaz”, is afloat at berth 10, in a stage in which the main systems are being installed and commissioned ahead of sea trials. The next milestones will be the start-up of the Integrated Platform Management System and the installation of the SPY-7 radar. Delivery is scheduled for 2028.

The F112 “Roger de Lauria”, located on slipway 3, has recently completed its main structure with the assembly of the bow block. Pending installation of the mast, it is now being prepared for launch, scheduled for after the summer. The preliminary work required for this ceremony has already begun.

The F114 “Luis de Córdova” is in the preliminary stages of construction, coinciding with the start-up of the Digital Block Factory, which is currently in the commissioning process and is expected to reach full operational capacity in the coming weeks. This major investment in the modernization of the Ferrol shipyard has resulted in a facility that is unique in Europe in the field of military shipbuilding and represents a turning point in the production model at these facilities.

Four F110 frigates are therefore currently under construction, at different stages, ensuring that Navantia continues to meet its commitments to the Spanish Navy. This program stands out for its reliability, schedule discipline, and high technological content. These escort vessels are multi-purpose ships, with anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface capabilities, and are also prepared for hybrid warfare and new threats. They represent a qualitative leap in the Spanish Navy’s operational capabilities, as well as a step forward in the industrial and technological potential of Navantia and its entire collaborating industry. The program helps strengthen Spain’s strategic autonomy and generate a cutting-edge industrial and technological base, while opening up new export opportunities.