The Spanish government approved EUR 4.3 billion of funds for the construction of five new F-110 frigates for the Spanish Navy on March 29.

The council of ministers authorization comes roughly a month ahead of the construction start which is scheduled to take place in May this year.

The new generation of frigates will be built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia with the first ship set for a 2026 delivery.

F-110 frigates will see the introduction of an evolved combat management system and new solid-state S-band radar with the aim of advancing partnerships between US and Spanish industry. Lockheed Martin, the US company responsible for the development and fielding of the Aegis combat management system, is already working with Spain’s Indra on the integration of new a solid state S-band radar system which was developed for the F-110 frigates.

According to the defense ministry, F-110 frigates will measure 145 meters in length and displace 6,100 tons. They will be equipped with a 5-inch main gun, Harpoon missiles, torpedo launchers, two 30mm guns and a 16-cell vertical launch system (VLS).

F-110 frigates will be replacing the Spanish Navy’s Santa Maria-class frigates which have been in service since 1986.