Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has successfully completed the first static dive of the S82 Narciso Monturiol, the second submarine in the S80-class programme, marking another milestone as Spain continues to modernize its submarine fleet.
The test was carried out near the La Algameca Naval Base in Cartagena by Navantia personnel together with the submarine’s trials crew, following the programme’s scheduled safety and certification milestones.
The static dive was designed to evaluate the submarine’s hull performance, verify the operation of its ballast tanks and assess its static stability before the vessel advances to submerged navigation trials.
The achievement represents an important step toward the submarine’s planned delivery to the Spanish Navy, as the S80 programme continues to progress according to schedule.
Navantia also reported progress on the remaining submarines in the four-vessel programme. During July, the company installed the diesel generator engines aboard the S83 Cosme García, a key milestone in assembling the submarine’s propulsion system.
The propulsion architecture of the S80 class combines three diesel generator sets, a main electric motor and an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, enabling extended underwater endurance while reducing the need to surface.
“The S80 programme is progressing in line with the agreed schedule, and the second submarine in the series will be delivered soon,” said Ricardo Domínguez, Chairman of Navantia.
He added that close cooperation between Spain’s Ministry of Defence, the Spanish Navy and Navantia has enabled the programme to strengthen both the country’s submarine capability and its domestic defence industrial base.
The S80 programme is one of Spain’s largest naval modernization efforts and is intended to provide the Spanish Navy with an indigenous next-generation submarine capability while supporting national technological and industrial development.