Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has officially confirmed that S-82 “Narciso Monturiol”, the second submarine of the S-80 Plus class, has been floated out in Cartagena and is now preparing to enter its full trial phase. The milestone marks a major step forward in Spain’s long-delayed program to rebuild its modern submarine fleet.
According to Navantia, S-82 will begin harbor trials in the coming weeks, followed by sea trials in spring 2026 once all propulsion, electrical, and safety systems have been verified. The Spanish Navy describes the S-80 Plus class as a “critical leap” in endurance, range, and mission flexibility.
A troubled but recovering program
Launched in 2004, the S-80 program aimed to build four AIP-equipped conventional attack submarines to replace the aging Galerna-class. However, a serious weight imbalance discovered in 2013 forced a comprehensive redesign with assistance from General Dynamics Electric Boat, causing significant delays and cost increases. The program’s total cost is now estimated to exceed €4 billion.
The four submarines—S-81 Isaac Peral, S-82 Narciso Monturiol, S-83 Cosme García, and S-84 Mateo García de los Reyes—will be delivered through the end of the decade.
One of Europe’s most advanced non-nuclear submarines
Measuring 80.8 meters and displacing around 3,000 tons submerged, the S-80 Plus class is considered among the most capable diesel-electric submarines on the continent. Its third-generation AIP system, based on bioethanol reformers and fuel cells, allows up to 21 days of submerged endurance, offering a major stealth advantage.
S-83 and S-84 will be delivered with AIP systems fully integrated, while S-81 and S-82 will receive their modules after commissioning.
Advanced combat capabilities
The class features a next-generation combat management system developed with Lockheed Martin, integrating sonar, electronic warfare, periscopes, navigation sensors, and weapons control. The submarine can carry up to 18 weapons, including:
- Heavyweight torpedoes
- Naval mines
- UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon missiles
- Six 533 mm tubes
Delivery expected in late 2026 or early 2027
Harbor trials will begin in December, with sea trials testing static and dynamic diving, maneuverability, endurance, acoustic signature, and live weapons. Navantia plans to hand over S-82 to the Spanish Navy by late 2026 or early 2027.
Strategic and industrial impact
The S-80 program is central to Spain’s naval modernization strategy and bolsters its domestic defense industry, supporting over 100 companies and contributing roughly €250 million to Spain’s GDP annually. Several international customers—including India and the Philippines—have already shown interest.
The float-out of S-82 symbolizes more than technical progress; it reaffirms Spain’s status as one of the few nations capable of independently designing and building advanced submarines.
