On October 3, 2025, Spain celebrated a historical turning point in the maritime industry with the launch of the S-82 “Narciso Monturiol” submarine at Navantia shipyard in Cartagena, Spain. This event symbolizes the introduction of the second ship of the new generation S-80 Plus submarines for the Spanish navy.
S-82 is part of the strategic renewal program of the Spanish fleet, which will last for the next decades. The S-80 program, which was launched in 2004, aims to provide full independence in the design, construction and maintenance of modern submarines.
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Unlike previous generations, the project is completely carried out by Navantia. The company has developed and integrated the AIP (Air Independent drive) system running with biofuel (bioethanol). Thanks to this technology, submarines can perform operations without surfaced for weeks, which significantly increases the range of privacy and operations.
Weapon systems and abilities
S-80 Plus Class submarines are equipped to work in a wide variety of war scenarios and are compatible with the following systems:
- DM2A4 torpedo
- Harpoon Gemisavar missiles
- Sea mines
- And potentially Tomahawk Cruise missiles
- Basic Technical Specifications:
- Length: 81 m
- Width: 7.3 m
- Underwater displacement: about 2,965 tons
- Mürettebat: 32 sailors + 8 Special Forces (Sof) Operator
- Station: 8.000 Mas’ye Cow
- Drive system: diesel-electric, AIP integration
Tests and Entry to Service
Before officially joining the S-82 fleet, it will undergo comprehensive tests that will last more than a year. These include:
- Maneuver tests in ports and shallow waters
- Open Sea Diving
- Verification of war systems
- FULL COMPLIED OPERATING EXPLANATIONS
Strategic importance
The S-80 Plus program represents one of the largest technological breakthroughs of the Spanish maritime industry and strengthens the country’s position among a few countries that can independently develop its submarines.
Some technologies have been developed jointly with the US and South Korea, and the project has already been introduced to international customers such as Canada and Poland.
Together with the new F-110 frigates, the S-80-class submarines strengthen Spain as a naval force within NATO and allow the country not only to protect its own territorial waters, but also to take part in the Global operations of the Alliance.
Sources and visuals: Navantia x @navantiaoficial | Armada x @armada_esp This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
