State-owned shipbuilding company Navantia is set to launch the Spanish Navy’s new S-80 class submarine ‘S-81’ at its shipyard in Cartagena, Spain.
It is the first submarine of the S-80 class designed and built by Navantia in Spain. The S-81 will be christened ‘Isaac Peral’ after its launch.
With the S-80 programme, Spain joins a small list of countries capable of designing and building submarines.
The vessel will be launched in the presence of several officials this week.
Navantia said in a statement: “The ceremony, which will be held under health and safety precautions due to the current health situation, will be held ahead of the process of setting it afloat.
“This process, which takes long hours, will be carried out by shipyard staff as a routine of work in the following days.”
For the first time, the company is serving as the Technical Design Authority for the project.
The S-80 class submarines are 80.8m long, with a diameter of 7.3m and a submerged displacement of some 3,000t.
Featuring stealth capabilities, the boats will be equipped with the integrated combat system and platform control system developed by Navantia Sistemas and an atmosphere-independent propulsion system.
Following the launch and float out, the vessel will be put through harbour tests and sea tests. It will be delivered to the service in early 2023.
Last month, Navantia announced the launch of the third of the five Avante 2200 corvettes built for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).
