S-82 “Narciso Monturiol” advances towards final sea trials in Cartagena

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S-82 “Narciso Monturiol” enters the final test stages

Having completed its first voyage in Cartagena waters, the S-82 “Narciso Monturiol” is moving into the final phases of its test programme. The Spanish Navy is expected to receive the second S-80-series boat before the end of 2026. During August, the new submarine is undertaking an intensive series of trials to confirm the performance of its systems and certify its capabilities ahead of entering service.

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The first voyage followed the S-82’s initial static dive, completed in late July in waters near La Algameca Naval Base in Cartagena. This trial verified the structural behaviour of the pressure hull, the proper flooding of the ballast tanks and the submarine’s static stability. It was one of the key milestones required before submerged navigation trials could begin.

Progress in recent weeks builds on further milestones achieved by the “Narciso Monturiol”. In March, the submarine started its diesel engines for the first time, as part of harbour-based checks of its conventional propulsion system. It subsequently completed the preparations needed to begin sea trials, including various system inspections and exercises conducted with the Spanish Navy at the Cartagena Arsenal.

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Certification and handover to the Spanish Navy

During August, the trial schedule increased in intensity through further progressive diving tests and checks carried out both at sea and in harbour. Once this phase is complete, the submarine must first be handed over to the Directorate-General for Armament and Materiel (DGAM) for certification, before subsequently transferring to the Spanish Navy. According to the stated schedule, this process should be completed before the end of the year.

S-80 programme features and further construction

The S-82 retains the general characteristics of the S-80 programme, while incorporating refinements resulting from experience gained with the first boat, the S-81 “Isaac Peral”. The submarine has a submerged displacement of 3,700 tonnes, a length of 81 metres, and a design intended to minimise its acoustic signature. Its combat system, developed by Navantia Sistemas, combines latest-generation sensors with capabilities for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, intelligence and special operations.

The “Narciso Monturiol” does not yet carry the Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, but it has a modular architecture that will enable future upgrades without major structural alterations. As the S-82 nears entry into service, Navantia is also making progress on the remaining boats: in July, the three diesel generator engines for the S-83 “Cosme García” were installed, while construction continues on the S-84 “Mateo García de los Reyes”. The commissioning of the second submarine will therefore mark another step in renewing Spain’s Submarine Force.

Photographs used for illustrative purposes.