Spain’s Council of Ministers has given the green light to the signing of the execution order for the mid-life modernization of the F100 frigates, ‘Álvaro de Bazán’ class.
Navantia press release – Translated by Naval News
This modernization will have an estimated value of 3.2 billion euros and a duration of 120 months from the day after the date of the signing of the execution order.
The project, which will be carried out at the Ría de Ferrol shipyard, will have an average annual impact of €215 million on GDP and 3,500 jobs (direct, indirect, and those induced by economic activity). The program is part of the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense approved by the Government last April.
The F100 frigates, built by Navantia and delivered between 2002 and 2012, are halfway through their service life. This program aims to extend the operational life of the entire series until 2045, eliminate identified obsolescence, establish commonalities in the updated systems, improve their efficiency and operability, and adapt them to environmental regulations.
“Navantia will collaborate closely with the Spanish Navy to modernize the F100 frigates, internationally recognized as one of the best multipurpose vessels in the world, in order to maintain their capabilities at the forefront of technology. Together with the F110 frigates already under construction, Navantia will thus contribute to providing Spain with the best defensive capabilities at sea,” stated Navantia President Ricardo Domínguez.
The F100 program, developed by Navantia for the Spanish Navy, represents one of the most significant technological and industrial milestones in European shipbuilding. Comprising five Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates, it was the first European program to integrate the AEGIS system, positioning Navantia as a global leader in highly complex naval platforms and boosting its export activity.
Designed to operate in the most demanding environments, the F100 frigates combine advanced air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare capabilities. They serve as flagships in battle groups and provide comprehensive fleet protection and international projection capabilities.
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