Spain’s Council of Ministers has approved the mid-life modernization program for the navy’s F100 frigates.
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia will carry out the estimated 3.2-billion-euro ($3.71-billion) effort within 120 months of the contract signing.
Built by Navantia and delivered between 2002 and 2012, the upgrade will extend the service life of the five F100 frigates (also known as the Álvaro de Bazán-class) until 2045.
The program will also eliminate identified obsolescence, standardize upgraded systems across the class, enhance efficiency and operability, and ensure compliance with current environmental regulations.
Moreover, it is expected to generate an average annual GDP impact of 215 million euros ($250 million) and support around 3,500 jobs, including direct, indirect, and induced employment.
“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,” Navantia President Ricardo Domínguez said.
“Together with the F110 frigates already under construction, Navantia will thus contribute to providing Spain with the best defensive capabilities at sea.”
F100 Frigate
The multipurpose escort ship is capable of conducting anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missions, particularly in force protection and naval power projection roles.
They measure 146.7 meters (481 feet) in length with an 18.6-meter (61-foot) beam and a 4.75-meter (15.58-foot) draft, displacing 5,900 tons standard and 6,594 tons fully loaded.
Powered by two LM2500 gas turbines and two Caterpillar 3600 diesel engines, they reach speeds of up to 28 knots (52 kilometres/32 miles per hour) with a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 kilometers/ 5,178 miles) at 18 knots (33 kilometers/21 miles per hour), and carry a crew of 201.
The F100s were the first European warships to integrate Lockheed Martin’s Aegis combat system, featuring the AN/SPY-1D radar — capable of detecting multiple threats simultaneously — and the MK 41 Vertical Launch System, which supports a broad array of missiles for diverse missions.
They are armed with two four-cell Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers, a MK 45 Mod 2 naval gun, and a Meroka 2B close-in weapon system.
During the midlife upgrade, the Harpoons will be replaced with Naval Strike Missiles.
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