Spain's second S-80 class submarine advances with power-up phase

Spain’s second S-80-class submarine, Narciso Monturiol (S-82), has completed its initial ‘power up’ phase, marking a key milestone in its development. The event, announced by Navantia on March 11, 2025, involved the activation of the submarine’s main and emergency electrical distribution networks, allowing onboard equipment to be powered safely.

This power-up is the first safety milestone in the Safety Milestones Management Plan of the S-80 program. The plan aims to ensure that the construction and testing processes of the submarines minimize risks to the highest possible degree.

As part of the ongoing testing, Narciso Monturiol has also undergone its first harbour acceptance tests. This process includes more than 1,500 verifications, combining both acceptance and builder tests.

While the S-80-class submarines will eventually feature a hydrogen-based air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, the first two boats, Isaac Peral (S-81) and Narciso Monturiol, will not have this system initially. They are expected to be retrofitted with AIP technology during their first major overhauls. The installation of the AIP system was completed in November 2024 on the third submarine, Cosme Garcia (S-83).

The S-80-class program began in 2003, with original delivery dates set for around 2015. However, delays caused by issues with the submarines’ weight and the subsequent redesign pushed back the schedule. The revised design now features a longer hull, measuring 81 meters instead of the initial 71 meters, and a submerged displacement of 3,000 tonnes, up from the original 2,465 tonnes.

The S-80-class submarines are equipped with six 21-inch (533 mm) bow torpedo tubes, capable of carrying heavyweight torpedoes, mines, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.