Spanish Navy’s S-82 submarine begins sea trials

June 25, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has marked a major milestone in its S-80 submarine program as the second-in-class submarine, S-82 Narciso Monturiol, embarked on its first sea trials off the coast of Cartagena.

The initial voyage, conducted on the surface using the submarine’s own propulsion systems, represents the start of a comprehensive testing campaign aimed at validating the vessel’s performance and onboard systems before its planned delivery to the Spanish Navy later this year.

During the sea trials, Navantia engineers and naval personnel will carry out a series of inspections and operational tests covering the submarine’s systems and equipment. The trials are designed to verify the vessel’s readiness for service and identify any adjustments required before handover.

The S-82 is the second submarine in Spain’s S-80 series, a program that will deliver four next-generation conventional submarines to the Spanish Navy. The class is intended to provide enhanced stealth, endurance, and operational flexibility for a wide range of missions.

The start of sea trials for S-82 comes as Navantia continues advancing development of the class’s signature air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology. Earlier this month, the company began testing the AIP system integrated into the dedicated section of the third submarine, S-83 Cosme García, at a specialized facility in Cartagena.

Navantia begins AIP system testing on Spanish Navy’s S-83 submarine

Equipment & technology

While the AIP-equipped S-83 and the fourth submarine, S-84 Mateo García de los Reyes, remain under construction, the lead boat of the class, S-81 Isaac Peral, entered service with the Spanish Navy in 2023. The progress of S-82 through sea trials and the continued maturation of the AIP system mark important steps toward the full realization of Spain’s indigenous S-80 submarine program.

If successful, the trials will pave the way for the delivery of S-82 Narciso Monturiol to the Spanish Navy before the end of 2026, further strengthening the country’s undersea warfare capabilities.