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Spanish F-110 Frigates Integrate Aegis and SPY-7 for Improved Multi-Threat Detection and Engagement at Sea.
According to an official release from Lockheed Martin dated May 12, 2025, Spain’s F-110 frigate program has reached a significant milestone with the integration of Aegis and SPY-7 technologies, achieved through reinforced cooperation with several Spanish industrial partners. This major naval program, central to the modernization of the Spanish Navy, exemplifies the convergence of national industrial capabilities and American technological expertise, contributing to Spain’s strategic objective of enhancing defense autonomy.
The F110 program also incorporates an advanced digital twin, developed in cooperation with the Spanish Navy and the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM) (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
In February 2025, Spanish companies Escribano Mechanical and Engineering and Integral de Conexión y Montajes, S.L. (ICM) delivered critical components for the SPY-7(V)2 radar, a key element of the combat system onboard the future F-110 frigates. Since the contract was awarded in summer 2024, both firms have delivered over 10,000 components to various Lockheed Martin sites for integration. This production volume reflects a structured technology transfer effort anchored in local industrial capacity, while meeting the quality and performance standards required by the American defense contractor.
In parallel, the F-110 frigate program led by Navantia for the Spanish Navy involves the construction of five next-generation vessels for a total cost of €4.325 billion. These multi-mission escort frigates are designed to perform anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare tasks, while also supporting maritime security operations and civil authority missions. The program execution order, signed in 2019, marks a substantial upgrade in Spain’s naval capabilities and defense industrial base, reinforcing sovereignty and enabling potential export opportunities.
Currently, three frigates are under simultaneous construction at the Ferrol shipyard: F111 “Ramon Bonifaz,” now over 85% assembled; F112 “Roger de Lauria,” whose keel was laid seven months ahead of schedule; and F113 “Menéndez de Avilés,” whose steel cutting began three months early. These milestones, achieved ahead of schedule, reflect strong program execution and coordination among the involved stakeholders. The shipyard is also developing a new Digital Block Factory, scheduled to be fully operational in 2026, which will automate the production of structural blocks through advanced manufacturing technologies.
The F-110 program also incorporates an advanced digital twin, developed in cooperation with the Spanish Navy and the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM). This cyber-physical system collects and transmits real-time data from onboard sensors to a land-based platform. Enabled by technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and machine learning, this infrastructure will support remote monitoring and maintenance of the ships regardless of their operating environment.
In this context, Lockheed Martin has recently strengthened its industrial collaboration with Spain. Company teams visited the facilities of Escribano and ICM to observe manufacturing processes and engage with the teams involved in radar component production. According to Chandra Marshall, Vice President of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin, this cooperation aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its global supply chain while incorporating local expertise. She emphasized that such collaboration enables the delivery of scalable and mission-ready systems that meet the operational requirements of modern navies.
This industrial dynamic builds on a long-standing relationship between Lockheed Martin and the Spanish defense sector, particularly with Indra. A partner since the F-100 program launched in 1996, Indra is now fully engaged in the F-110 effort. In March 2025, engineering and management teams from Indra visited Lockheed Martin’s facility in Clearwater, Florida, for a training program focused on the assembly of SPY-7 radar sub-array power supplies. The program included practical sessions with tools and fixtures, assembly of non-operational units for practice, and diagnostic testing exercises. This phase is essential in preparing for local production in Spain, with prototypes expected by mid-2025 and serial production set to begin in early 2026.
To support this effort, Lockheed Martin has expanded its presence in Madrid by hiring additional personnel and enhancing local capabilities. This initiative aims to establish a solid national industrial base, not only for the F-110 program but also for potential participation in future international projects.
Beyond the technical dimension, this partnership reflects a broader strategy of convergence between a national defense industry and a major global defense company. Lockheed Martin reaffirms its commitment to long-term partnerships focused on the co-development of systems tailored to evolving security requirements. As Chandra Marshall notes, this collaboration demonstrates the joint ability of Spanish and American industries to deliver platforms prepared to meet today’s and tomorrow’s threats.
The integration of the SPY-7 radar and Aegis system into the F-110 frigates represents a key technological step for the Spanish Navy. It highlights the industrial maturity of the program, the effectiveness of transatlantic cooperation, and a shared commitment to equipping Spain with naval assets capable of addressing the strategic challenges of the 21st century.