S-81 during sea trials in the Mediterranean, Navantia picture.
Sponsored by Navantia
For over 300 years, Navantia has set the standard in naval innovation, designing, building, and sustaining some of the world’s most advanced ships and submarines. In 1888, Navantia built the world’s first battery-powered submarine, the Isaac Peral, and has been designing and building submarines for Spain and the international market ever since.
Today, Navantia is offering Canada the most advanced conventional submarine in service within NATO. With its advanced platform and combat management systems, weapons, and sensors, the S-80 is the only operational platform that meets the Royal Canadian Navy’s technical and timeline requirements.
A Whole-of-Nation Commitment to Canada
Navantia’s response to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program (CPSP) is a “whole-of-nation” commitment by Spain to Canada—a strategic partnership with the state-owned shipbuilder, the Spanish Navy, and the Spanish government. With an active production line, Canada can leverage an accelerated, de-risked delivery schedule with the Royal Canadian Navy taking ownership of its first operational S-80 in 2033, followed by two additional operational submarines by 2037, well ahead of CPSP timelines and with cost certainty.
Commissioning ceremony of S-81, Isaac Peral, November 30, 2024. Navantia picture.
The Spanish Navy is ready to serve as the RCN’s partner-navy, offering early training, operational exchanges, and continuous capability enhancements further strengthening the strategic partnership between Canada and Spain and, by extension, NATO’s collective defence.
Through the innovative NAVANTIS training system, shore-based training enables submarine crews to seamlessly and safely transition to at-sea operations. The RCN, supported by the Spanish Navy, can train in the S-81 as early as 2026 through an integrated navy-to-navy training and operational exchange program.
A Proven, Operational Submarine
The S-81, Isaac Peral, the first-of-class of the S-80 submarines, has undergone 1,600 contractor trials, over 6400 hours, including 95 sea outings. The S-81 was commissioned into the Spanish Navy in November 2023 and recently participated in NATO’s Dynamic Mariner exercise. The S-82 has completed more than 1,500 harbor tests and will be launched this summer, and the S-83 is being assembled, making the S-80 Class a proven MOTS design.
The S-80 submarine is a highly automated platform that can be safely operated by a very reduced crew. The open architecture of the S-80’s Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and Integrated Combat System Core (ICSC) enables continuous capability insertion, as well as the integration of a wide range of NATO weapons.
2: S-81 underway, Navantia picture.
Featuring a third-generation Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the S-80 can remain submerged for up to 21 days—significantly enhancing its lethality and ability to operate under ice. Navantia’s AIP system uses bio-ethanol and oxygen to generate hydrogen on demand, a next-generation capability that distinguishes it from existing systems, enabling the S-80 to refuel in any port while delivering key tactical and safety advantages, as well as greater strategic autonomy and deterrence.
Empowering Canadian Industry and Strategic Partnership
Navantia has a proven track record of delivering on industrial collaboration commitments and will maximize opportunities for Canadian industry in CPSP. The early integration of Canadian industry in the program will ensure knowledge transfer, strategic partnerships, and strengthened Canadian sovereign naval capabilities. By leveraging Canada’s world-class naval expertise, Navantia will foster high-value jobs, innovation, and long-term economic benefits.
Ready Today. Evolving for Tomorrow.
With its advanced AIP system, integrated Five Eyes and NATO capabilities, and active production line, the S-80 offers Canada an unparalleled solution—ready to serve today and built to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The S-80 is Canada’s Best Choice.
To learn more about the S-80 submarine visit Navantia's website - https://www.navantia.es/en/business-areas/submarines/
