Launch of the S-82 Narciso Monturiol

The Navantia shipyards in Cartagena witnessed the launch of the S-82 Narciso Monturiol, the second unit of the S-80 Plus class built for the Spanish Navy. The ceremony, attended by the Defence Minister and with Isabel López Fernández as sponsor, represents a significant milestone in Spain’s submarine renewal programme.

The S-80 Plus series, designed and largely built in Spain with the participation of dozens of national suppliers, delivers advanced operational capabilities: 80.81 metres in length, between 3,200 and 3,700 tonnes submerged displacement, speeds above 19 knots submerged and a test depth of 460 metres. Surface range reaches 8,000 kilometres and submerged endurance varies between 30 and 55 days depending on mission profile.

Its key innovation is the Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system based on bioethanol fuel cells, which enables the submarine to remain submerged for 21–30 days at four knots without surfacing to recharge batteries, enhancing stealth. The S-82 also carries six 533 mm torpedo tubes, the ability to launch anti-ship and Tomahawk cruise missiles, and integrates the SCOMBA combat system based on SUBICS, as well as modern countermeasures.

The S-80 programme involves a government investment estimated at €4 billion between 2018 and 2032 and supports more than 6,000 jobs direct, indirect and induced. It contributes over €250 million annually to Spain’s GDP, with more than €80 million benefiting the Murcia region. Local authorities emphasise the technological spillover and economic impact of the project.

The launch comes amid a transitional period for the Navy: S-81 Isaac Peral entered service in 2023 and is participating in exercises, while older platforms such as Galerna S-71 remain in service with limited capabilities. Two further units—S-83 Cosme García and S-84 Mateo García de los Reyes—are planned between 2027 and 2030, with the S-83 to incorporate AIP from construction.

Cartagena’s municipal leaders hailed the event as confirmation of the city’s strategic role in defence technology and industrial innovation, highlighting initiatives to support training, start-ups and the transfer of military technologies to civilian applications.