Commercial Manager for Africa, Navantia
Navantia stands as a benchmark in both military and civil shipbuilding, as well as in advanced defence systems and services. From cutting-edge F-110 frigates and S-80 submarines to Avante-class corvettes, Navantia integrates digital shipyard technologies, combat management systems, and sustainable solutions to deliver next-generation maritime platforms. In an interview with Arabian Defence, Alvaro Lobo, Commercial Manager for Africa, Navantia, speaks about the company’s innovation-driven approach, global partnerships, and its commitment to advancing naval technology for the fleets of the future.
The launch of the F-111 Bonifaz marks a significant milestone for Navantia and the Spanish Navy. Could you share what this project represents for the company’s future and Spain’s naval capabilities?
The F-110 frigates represent the future of naval escort, standing out for their versatility, advanced technology, and ability to face modern challenges.
They feature anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities, and are designed to operate jointly with other units and support maritime security missions alongside civil authorities.
Navantia will deliver one of the most digital and automated ships to the Navy, equipped with a digital twin and a sensor network (Integrated Services System) that enables data-driven decision-making.
These ships are safer, can operate with reduced crews, and are capable of integrating unmanned vehicles.
The digital twin is a virtual replica of the ship. Powered by sensors and technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, and machine learning, it enhances data-driven decision-making and supports operational and maintenance evolution.
This virtual model is optimised by the Integrated Services System (ISS), a neural network with sensors embedded in the ship’s lighting infrastructure, developed with the Navy and the University of Vigo, fostering an innovation ecosystem around the programme.
The frigate features the SCOMBA combat system (developed by Navantia), acting as the ship’s “brain”, capable of processing sensor, radar, and weapon data in real time. Among its innovations is the integrated mast, located on the superstructure, which optimises electromagnetic spectrum use and reduces radar signature.
The F110 Program is strategic for the company, as it is intended to keep Navantia at the forefront of global military shipbuilding for frigate-type vessels. It aims to become one of the company’s main export products and add a highly relevant offering to the portfolio that Navantia can present to potential clients, allowing the company to compete with other industry leaders.
The F110 frigates represent a qualitative leap in terms of the Navy’s capabilities and the industrial and technological potential of Navantia and its entire network of collaborating industries. This program will benefit from the Digital Block Factory that is being built by Navantia to cut the times and costs of production
For Navantia, the F110 will offer new export opportunities, as was the case with the F100, which led to ships being built for the Norwegian and Australian navies. Furthermore, the implementation of innovative and sustainable technologies in the construction of these frigates ensures that Navantia not only meets current standards but also anticipates future market demands.
The integration of the SPY-7 radar with SCOMBA represents a pivotal achievment for the F-110 programme. Could you elaborate on this achievement and explain how Navantia’s collaboration with Lockheed Martin is enhancing the frigate’s advanced capabilities?
Lockheed Martin and Navantia have a 30-year partnership, which is being crucial for the development, integration, and delivery of world-class combat systems, demonstrating a strong commitment to technological innovation and national defense.
For the F-110 frigate program, Navantia has successfully integrated the Lockheed Martin SPY-7 radar antenna with the International Aegis Fire Control Loop (IAFCL) and the SCOMBA combat system (developed by Navantia Sistemas). This achievement was possible by close collaboration between both companies, with key support from the Spanish Navy and the US Navy.
This integration reinforces SCOMBA as the core of the F-110’s combat system. The combination with IAFCL forms the basis of the F-110’s anti-air warfare capability.
The demonstrated integration marks a decisive advance in anti-air defense, especially in track management, doctrine control, and simulated missile engagements on live targets.
The S-80 is among the world’s most advanced conventional submarines. How do its capabilities position Navantia to meet the evolving operational needs of modern navies?
The S-80 submarine is a last generation conventional submarine that is providing the Spanish Navy with a technological advantage in an unpredictable environment. Additionally, it enables the national industry to design and build a type of vessel that, due to its technical and technological complexity, is only within reach of a select group of only few countries: the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Japan, China, and South Korea. This fact reinforces the position of Navantia in the submarine’s international market
The submarine features an integrated combat system—essentially the vessel’s “brain”—which connects all sensors and weapons to enable rapid and effective responses to any threat. This core system is developed by Navantia Sistemas. The entire integration software is operated from seven consoles.
In addition to combat and platform control systems, the S-80 is equipped with a weapons system that includes heavy torpedoes, mines, and the capability to launch land attack tactical missiles—a unique feature among non-nuclear NATO submarines.
The submarine has an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, allowing it to generate electrical power at any depth. This reduces the need to surface, enhancing stealth, making Navantia one of the few shipbuilders globally with this capability. The AIP uses a fuel cell system where hydrogen and oxygen combine to produce energy and water, enabling the S-80 to remain submerged for extended periods, improving its discretion, a key attribute for submarines.
Other notable features include advanced sonar systems and a very low acoustic and magnetic signature, as well as an integrated communications system and platform control system, allowing the crew to operate navigation, propulsion, energy generation, and periscopes either locally or remotely.
A high degree of automation has reduced the crew size to 32, with 8 additional berths for extra personnel. This is half of the crew required for the previous S-70 class, despite the S-80’s greater displacement and complexity. The standard of habitability is much higher than the previous series.
Could you elaborate on the significance of the Avante 2200 corvette program for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, from its industrial and technological impact to how it’s strengthening Navantia’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia?
The Avante 2200 program, which included two contracts for the supply of 8 corvettes, is not only a technological leap for the RSNF but also a catalyst for industrial growth, skills development, and strategic partnership between Navantia and Saudi Arabia. It exemplifies successful technology transfer, local capability development in shipbuilding and naval systems, and international collaboration, making Navantia a trusted partner for the Kingdom’s naval modernization and regional defense initiatives.
The Avante 2200 program has deepened Navantia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, establishing a long-term collaboration with the Royal Saudi Naval Force and Ministry of Defence, as well as with SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) with the creation of the joint venture SAMINavantia in Saudi Arabia.
This alliance benefits Navantia and allows to promote the defense programs in the country, reinforcing its economy. The joint venture SAMINavantia has represented an exceptional opportunity for Navantia to position its integrated systems and technologically advanced solutions in Saudi Arabia and in the Arab region aligned with the strategy of Plan VISION 2030 of the Kingdom. This benefits Saudi Arabia as Navantia is supporting its sovereignty in defense technology through the promotion of the localization of military industries and the sustainability of naval systems.
The program has positioned Navantia as a key player in the Middle East and Africa, opening new business opportunities and reinforcing its commitment to the region.
As a leading European shipbuilder, how do you see Navantia contributing to national defence and supporting allied naval forces worldwide?
Navantia is a cornerstone of Spain’s naval power, designing and building all vessels for the Spanish Navy and delivering ships to more than 10 countries since 2000. Its strategic importance is reinforced by strong government support, ensuring financial stability and operational effectiveness for national defence.
Navantia’s flagship programs, such as the F-110 Bonifaz-class frigates and the S-80 submarines, demonstrate its commitment to technological innovation, making its designs among the most advanced in NATO missions. The contribution of F100 frigates and other ships has been widely recognized.
Worldwide, Navantia’s international footprint is extensive and has delivered advanced surface ships to allied navies, including Australia, Norway and Saudi Arabia. These export programs often have been including successful technology transfer and local supply chain enhancement, providing partner nations with the autonomy to sustain and operate their fleets, enhancing local capabilities for long-term sustainment and operational autonomy.
We have extended our industrial capacities with yards in the UK, including the historic Harland & Wolff in Belfast. Navantia will deliver to the UK Ministry of Defence three ships (Fleet solid support, FSS) that will be key to support the carrier group, hence strengthening the allied defence.
Could you share your expectations for EDEX 2025 and highlight any standout products or technologies Navantia plans to showcase?
Navantia’s commitment to the support of the Egyptian Navy near future plans for naval projects will be the cornerstone of our presence at EDEX 2025.
Navantia’s booth at the exhibition will be showcasing our state-of-the-art products, such as S80 submarines, F110 AEGIS frigates, AOR Supply Ships, etc., as well as our naval systems capabilities or Training Simulators, which all can be designed and adapted to the requirements of the Egyptian Navy.
What are Navantia’s key priorities and ambitions for the next decade, and how will the company embrace trends like digitalisation, automation, and global partnerships?
Navantia is at the forefront of digitalization, automation, and integration of unmanned systems. We have done great investments in digital shipbuilding tools, modernization of facilities with cutting edge technology to optimize processes, and workforce development ensures it remains a leader in maritime defence innovation. The company’s commitment to continuous innovation and multinational collaboration positions it to address current and future defence challenges for Spain and its allies.
