Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Better late than never: Spanish Navy commissions its first S-80A submarine more than 10 years behind schedule

11th December 2023 - 12:08 GMT | by Tim Fish in Auckland

RSS

The commissioning of Isaac Peral (S-81) into Spanish Navy service finally puts Navantia and Spain in the top tier of naval shipbuilders, as well as among the list of countries that can design, build and operate diesel-electric submarines. (Photo: Navantia)

The S-80A Plus, a new class of ocean-going submarines, will enhance the Spanish Navy’s capabilities despite the challenges and delays experienced during their development and delivery.

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has delivered the first of four new ocean-going submarines that will provide the Spanish Navy with a long-awaited modern diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) capability for the 21st century.

The S-80A Plus submarines are advanced SSKs that can conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and perform an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role. They have the potential for an added land-attack capability in the future with the acquisition of the Tomahawk cruise missile.

At the commissioning of Isaac Peral (S-81) on 30 November, Navantia stated that the second boat, Narciso Monturiol (S-82), was having the sections of its hull joined together at

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Tim Fish

Twitter

Tim Fish is a special correspondent for Shephard Media. Formerly the editor of Land Warfare …

Read full bio

More from Naval Warfare

Taiwan entrusts USVs with task of deterring a PLA amphibious invasion

Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s Black Sea experience, Taiwan is investing heavily in unmanned surface vessels to strengthen its asymmetric defence strategy against potential PLA amphibious assaults.
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities

The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win

A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)

In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme

The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist

Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.