Navantia is keeping open the option of expanding the Mk41 vertical launch system from 16 to 32 cells on the F114 Luis de Córdova and F115 Barceló frigates, the final two vessels in the F-110 program. The decision rests with the Spanish Navy, which, according to estimates provided by the company in Ferrol, has approximately one year to make the change without affecting the construction and delivery schedule.
For now, all five frigates retain the original 16-cell configuration. Navantia says the modification poses no significant technical risks and would require reallocating space in the bow, behind the 127-millimeter gun, to accommodate the second launcher block.
The construction status of the final two vessels allows the option to remain on the table. The F114 is in the early stages of construction, with the shipyard working on its first four blocks, while construction of the F115 has not yet begun.
Any expansion would affect only those two units. The decision would increase their vertical-launch capacity, although Navantia has not said that the Spanish Navy has yet made a decision on the change.
In parallel, Navantia and the Spanish Navy have begun expanding the F100 series with two additional frigates focused on air and missile defense, for which a configuration of up to 64 vertical-launch cells is being considered.
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