The Spanish Navy’s newest submarine, Isaac Peral (S-81), has begun its first international mission as part of NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian, marking a major step forward for Spain’s naval modernization and alliance commitments.
The advanced S-80 Plus class vessel departed from the Cartagena Submarine Base, setting course for the Mediterranean Sea, where it will operate until the end of November. The deployment underscores Spain’s active role in supporting NATO’s maritime security and counterterrorism efforts, as well as in protecting critical shipping lanes across the region.
A formal send-off ceremony was held at the base, presided over by Captain Alfonso Carrasco Santos, Commander of the Submarine Flotilla. He commended the professionalism and dedication of the crew, emphasizing that the mission represents a defining milestone in consolidating Spain’s submarine capabilities within NATO’s strategic framework.
The submarine is commanded by Corvette Captain Fernando Clavijo Rey-Stolle and crewed by 55 sailors, all trained to operate its sophisticated combat, navigation, and propulsion systems.
Strengthening NATO’s Mediterranean Security
Operation Sea Guardian, launched in 2016, is an enduring NATO-led initiative designed to enhance maritime domain awareness, prevent terrorism at sea, and ensure the security of Mediterranean waters. Spain has been a consistent contributor since the mission’s inception, deploying both surface and sub-surface assets to monitor illicit activities, bolster regional stability, and deepen coordination among allied navies.
By assigning Isaac Peral to the operation, Spain reinforces its reputation as a reliable and capable NATO partner, able to seamlessly integrate its newest naval technologies into complex multinational operations.
The New Era of Spanish Submarines
The Isaac Peral is the first in the S-80 Plus class, a new generation of conventional attack submarines developed by Navantia to replace the aging Galerna-class (S-70) fleet. Despite early technical and budgetary challenges since the program’s launch in 2003, the delivery of the S-81 in November 2023 marked a turning point in Spain’s submarine-building capability.
Following its launch in May 2021, the vessel completed over 5,500 nautical miles and 1,200 hours of sea trials, validating its design and operational systems. It is projected to achieve high-availability status by mid-2025, enabling longer and more demanding international deployments.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Future Expansion
The S-80 Plus program includes four submarines — Isaac Peral (S-81), Narciso Monturiol (S-82), Cosme García (S-83), and Mateo García de los Reyes (S-84). The second vessel, Narciso Monturiol, was launched on October 3, 2025, and will soon begin its own series of port and sea trials.
A standout feature of the class is its Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, designed by Navantia. This third-generation AIP technology allows submarines to remain submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing, dramatically extending their stealth and endurance. The Cosme García (S-83) will be the first to incorporate the system, while Isaac Peral is scheduled to receive the upgrade in 2029.
A New Benchmark for Spain’s Naval Industry
The deployment of Isaac Peral represents both a strategic and symbolic moment for Spain — demonstrating not only the operational maturity of the S-80 Plus program but also the technological expertise of the nation’s shipbuilding industry. With these advancements, Spain positions itself as a leader in conventional submarine design, contributing directly to NATO’s security objectives and the stability of the broader Mediterranean region.
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