Today, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attended the launch ceremony of the F111 Bonifaz frigate at the Navantia shipyard in Ferrol, A Coruña. This frigate is the first unit of a modern series of vessels being constructed for the Spanish Navy under the F-110 programme. Sánchez described the new vessel as a “symbol of progress” for Spain, showcasing the hard work and talent of workers and scientists across the nation.

During the event, where Her Majesty Queen Sofía served as godmother, Sánchez highlighted that the frigate has brought over four billion euros in investment and created more than nine thousand jobs. He stated that the F111 Bonifaz will serve as a standard-bearer of Spain’s technological capabilities and commitment to both European and international security.

Sánchez further emphasised the importance of Spanish Armed Forces as a key component of European and NATO defence. The new frigate will enhance their capacity to fulfill missions with maximum guarantees, according to Sánchez.

In his speech, Sánchez underlined the profound transformation of Spain’s industrial fabric over the past seven years, which has helped the country grow and create jobs at an unprecedented rate for a European nation. He asserted that Spain is on the cusp of a great industrial revolution, positioning itself as a leading exporter to Europe and the world, with its industrial added value surpassing that of Germany, France, and Italy.