1st. September 2025. Navantia arrives to MSPO in Poland with last updates on S-80 class submarine, the most adaptable to Polish Navy in terms of capabilities, technology and timing schedule. Plus, Navantia’s offer also provides comprehensive lifecycle support, predictable maintenance costs and a resilient European supply chain.
Photos: Navantia
Equipped with a third generation AIP, this unique system breaks the diving endurance limitation of former generation AIPs by embarking bioethanol-instead pure Hydrogen stored in heavy Metal Hydrides- to dramatically increase energy density onboard and avoid the complexity of managing gaseous Hydrogen. Plus, the reforming to produce Hydrogen with bioethanol is known to be more durable and robust.
Last July, the Polish Deputy Minister of National Defence, Pawel Bejda, had the opportunity to visit Navantia shipyard in Cartagena to see firsthand the construction of the Spanish Navy’s S-80 submarines and learn about the capabilities of its facilities, its extensive experience in transfer of technology and in the creation of an industrial ecosystem for the local establishment of submarine maintenance capability.
We are not offering Poland a stop-gap or bridging solution. We are proposing a platform that from day one delivers full combat and reconnaissance capabilities, while significantly enhancing the security of the country, says Alfonso Valea, Navantia commercial director for Europe.
Navantia also highlights the industrial dimension of the offer. Along with the submarine, it provides transfer of know-how and documentation, ensuring that maintenance and modernization can be carried out in Poland. Importantly, even before the program’s final decision, Navantia has already signed cooperation agreements with Polish companies, laying the foundations for a long-term presence in the country and the development of a robust local supply chain.
Our goal is to build lasting competences within Polish shipyards and research centers. This means jobs and last technology for decades ahead, adds Alfonso Valea.
Flexibility is part of our model of work, because we think that is the right way to incorporate as many local industries as possible, he concludes.
Advance status
The Isaac Peral (S-81) submarine, the first of its class, has already completed operational qualification and is fully operational under the Spanish Navy to fulfil the national defense and international commitments.
Meanwhile, the Narciso Monturiol (S-82) is totally prepared to be floated. The christening ceremony will be in the next weeks, and the effective floating maneuver will take place right after.
The Cosme García (S-83) is currently in the construction and integration phase, and the embarkation of the AIP system in section 3 was already done last year. The BEST AIP system is fully completed and qualified, and this year Navantia will complete the last stage of testing with endurance tests over the entire section 3 in the AIP testing facilities (IPS3) simulating the real environment, the same conditions that the system will have at sea. According to the baseline agreed with the Spanish Navy, the program’s main milestones are expected to be achieved.
Finally, as the S-82 prepares to begin harbor and sea trials, the fourth unit —S-84— has entered the submarines assembly workshop. The stern section of the submarine is already in place, marking the start of the next phase for this unit. The manufacturing of S-84 pressure hull is already completed and the five constructive sections are being outfitted.
S-81 and S-82 will be refitted with BEST AIP in their respective first overhaul.
Press release