Rota Naval Base has begun adapting 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 vessels.
According to available information, the new infrastructure will enable the base to meet the technical and logistical requirements of the F-110 class, which is set to become one of the Spanish fleet’s main pillars over the coming decades. Rota Naval Base holds a central role in Spanish naval deployments, making its modernisation essential to the phased integration of these ships.
Progress on the F-110 Programme
The adaptation work at Rota Naval Base forms part of the wider progress of the F-110 frigate programme, which is currently being developed by shipbuilder Navantia. In April 2025, the company reached another milestone when construction formally began on the third vessel 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 the construction of three vessels; this was increased to five in 2022. The project’s estimated total value is €4.325 billion and it is overseen by the Directorate-General for Armament and Material (DGAM) of the Ministry of Defence.
One of the programme’s principal innovations is the introduction of a digital twin: a virtual replica of each vessel that will make it possible to optimise maintenance and operations through real-time updates.
Status of the Frigates Under Construction
Construction of the first frigate in the series, F-111 Bonifaz, began in April 2022, and block assembly had reached 85% in Dock 2 at the Ferrol shipyard. Its launch was expected in the following months, ahead of the original schedule. F-112 Roger de Lauria, meanwhile, was in Dock 3, where its keel had been laid, with a launch originally planned for 2026.
In September 2025, Navantia launched F-111 Bonifaz, the first of five F-110-class frigates intended for the Spanish Navy. The ceremony took place at 19:00 and was attended by Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, as well as Her Majesty Queen Sofía, the ship’s sponsor, alongside senior Navy officers and shipyard representatives.
Characteristics of the F-110 Class
The new F-110 class is derived from the F-100-class design, which is currently in service with the Spanish Navy, and incorporates enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities. These frigates are intended to progressively replace the Santa María-class vessels, which are nearing the end of their service life after decades in operation.
As for the rest of the series, construction of F-113 Menéndez de Avilés began in 2025 and its launch is scheduled for 2028. Work on the final two ships, F-114 Luis de Córdoba and F-115 Barceló, will begin shortly, with their launches planned for 2029 and 2030 respectively.
Against this backdrop, the adaptation of Rota Naval Base is a complementary step to the industrial development of the F-110 programme. Modernising its facilities will support the entry into service of these frigates and ensure they receive the required support throughout their operational life in the Spanish Navy.
Images are for illustrative purposes only.
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