This is the moment two of Spain’s new-generation S-80 submarines were pictured sailing together for the first time this week.
The S-81 Isaac Peral and S-82 Narciso Monturiol took to the waters off the Cartagena coast in Murcia, offering a striking glimpse of what will eventually become the backbone of the Armada’s submarine fleet.
The two vessels are currently at very different stages of their operational lives.
While the Isaac Peral is already in service with the Spanish Navy and training its crew, the Narciso Monturiol remains undergoing sea trials before its formal incorporation into the fleet.
The S-82 began this testing programme at the end of June and achieved a crucial milestone in July when it carried out its first static dive in waters near the La Algameca Naval Base in Cartagena.
Seeing both submarines at sea simultaneously is therefore significant for Spain’s long-running S-80 programme, demonstrating its transition from individual submarines being constructed and tested to the beginnings of an operational fleet.
One of Spain’s most ambitious defence projects
The S-80 programme is one of the most technologically complex military projects undertaken by Spain.
Designed and constructed by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, the subs will provide the Navy with significantly improved capabilities in surveillance, intelligence gathering, naval warfare and special operations.
Their ability to operate covertly for extended periods makes submarines an important element of Spain’s maritime deterrence.
The programme is also strategically significant because it gives Spain the ability to design and manufacture advanced conventional submarines domestically, reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers for one of the most complex forms of military technology.
Four submarines are planned in the class: Isaac Peral (S-81), Narciso Monturiol (S-82), Cosme Garcia (S-83) and Mateo Garcia de los Reyes (S-84).
Isaac Peral already deployed with NATO
The first vessel, the S-81 Isaac Peral, was delivered to the Spanish Navy in November 2023 and has since progressed into international operations.
In November 2025 it completed its first international deployment as part of NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian.
During the mission, the submarine spent 46 days at sea, accumulated 840 hours submerged and travelled more than 5,050 nautical miles.
It returned to an allied operational environment in February this year when it participated in Operation Noble Shield.
Its commander, Lieutenant Commander Fernando Clavijo Rey-Stolle, has previously highlighted the technological leap represented by the submarine.
He said the Isaac Peral provides improved intelligence-gathering capabilities alongside advanced equipment allowing it to cooperate with other military units over greater distances and exchange information with greater precision.
S-82 edging closer to service
While its sister submarine is accumulating operational experience, the Narciso Monturiol is undergoing the painstaking testing process required before a new submarine can enter service.
Sea trials are designed to verify the performance of the vessel itself and its numerous onboard systems under real operating conditions.
Once those tests are successfully completed, the S-82 can progress towards delivery and incorporation into the Spanish Navy.
