On July 20, Navantia laid the keel of the F-113 Menéndez de Avilés in Ferrol, seven months ahead of the contractual deadline. That key stage contrasts with Germany’s troubled F-126 frigate program, which was terminated in June 2026 after major delays and cost increases, compounded by problems integrating engineering software. The German Defence Ministry assessed that continuing the project could push its projected total cost from about €10 billion to more than €18 billion and delay the first delivery until around 2032. Those figures describe projected costs, not a completed expenditure of €18 billion.
The F-113 is part of Spain’s F-110 series, a five-ship multi-mission frigate program built by Navantia for the Armada Española. The ships are being assembled in Ferrol using modular construction and digital design tools, alongside greater industrial standardization. Four other vessels are at different stages: the F-111 Bonifaz is afloat at Ferrol’s dock 10, where it is receiving its basic systems ahead of sea trials; the F-112 Roger de Lauria has completed its basic structure and is preparing for launch after summer 2026; and the F-114 Luis de Córdova remains in the early stages. The 2019 contract covers five ships for €4.325 billion, supports nearly 9,000 jobs and involves around 500 Spanish companies. Navantia’s new Digital Block Factory, a €110 million investment, is now operational and is intended to modernize production while cutting lead times.
Spain’s progress also comes with challenges. The F-113 key stage is ahead of schedule, but the overall F-110 program has fallen behind its original timeline. The first F-110 was initially scheduled for delivery in 2026; the current schedule puts the F-111 Bonifaz’s handover in 2028. The Ministry of Defence has identified delivery of the SPY-7 radar as a critical-path issue for the program.
Submarine S-82 Enters Sea Trials
In Cartagena, the S-82 Narciso Monturiol, the second submarine in Spain’s S-80 series, began its first surface-navigation tests on June 25. Sea trials are set to continue with dives and system checks at various depths, and delivery is expected before the end of 2026. The S-81 Isaac Peral was handed over to the Navy in November 2023, while the S-83 Cosme García is planned to be the first boat equipped with Spain’s indigenous air-independent propulsion (AIP) system from the outset. The Armada Española has also reported that the S-81 and S-82 sailed together for the first time. That key stage shows two boats operating within the fleet’s cycle as the program advances through testing and crew training ahead of delivery.
The S-80 program has faced setbacks of its own. A critical weight issue discovered late in development forced production to stop. The submarine was redesigned and lengthened, with support from the Spanish Navy, the US Navy and General Dynamics Electric Boat. The program’s recovery shows Spain’s capacity to address major technical challenges, while underscoring the complexity and risks of advanced naval projects.
Germany’s F-126 Collapse
Germany’s decision to cancel the F-126 program after spending nearly €2.3 billion shows the volatility of large-scale naval procurement. The program began with a 2020 award to Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for four frigates and was later expanded to six. Problems extended beyond construction: coordination between the Dutch designer and German industrial partners proved difficult, as did the engineering software and data systems used to manage design and production. Transferring responsibility to another contractor would have added schedule and cost risks.
Berlin turned to MEKO A-200 frigates from TKMS instead of trying to revive the F-126 construction plan. In July 2026, the Bundestag Budget Committee approved €6.3 billion for an initial four-ship batch. The broader estimated requirement, including an option for additional vessels, is approximately €11.6 billion. Those figures belong to the replacement program, not the canceled F-126 contract. The first MEKO A-200 is scheduled for delivery in December 2029. The F-126’s sunk costs remain, and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has acknowledged the slim prospects of recovering damages from the basic contractor, Damen. HENSOLDT separately disclosed that its F-126 order value exceeded €200 million and that the ministry had informed project subcontractors of its decision.
France and Sweden Adjust Schedules
Elsewhere in Europe, France’s Naval Group delivered its first FDI frigate, Amiral Ronarc’h, in October 2025 and the first Greek unit in December. Later French deliveries have been pushed to 2027, 2029, 2031 and 2032. Sweden has opened talks with France for four FDI-based frigates, with deliveries planned between 2030 and 2034. Navantia’s ALFA 4000 proposal was considered, but Sweden favored the French offer because of its maturity and production status. The shifting schedules reflect wider challenges for Europe’s naval industry.
Spain’s recent progress in naval construction comes as the country invests in specialized defense talent and modernizes its shipyards. Delivering complex vessels on or ahead of schedule could strengthen Navantia’s position in future international tenders. The F-110 program ties naval modernization to domestic shipbuilding capacity and a broad supplier network, while the parallel S-80 effort adds submarines to Spain’s fleet renewal. Spain’s shipbuilding momentum stands out as Europe’s defense field evolves, alongside work in other sectors such as the impressive work of Spain’s Canadair pilots battling wildfires.
