Spanish Navantia at MSPO with submarine S-80

At this year's International Defence Industry Exhibition 2025 in Kielce, the Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia presents submarine S-80 – a proposal for the Polish Navy under the Orka programme.

In the article

The S-80 type ship was designed for modern requirements of the Polish Navy – from high operational capabilities, through modern technology solutions, to fast and shortest delivery schedules. The units built at the shipyard in Cartagena are to be the key link of the Polish submarine forces, and the whole is accompanied by an operational support package, comprising the full life cycle of the ship, foreseeable maintenance costs and a secure European supply chain.

S-80 type ship with air-independent propulsion (AIP) third generation

S-80 ships will be able to boast a long time of immersion, without the need for frequent battery charging and snoring. This is possible thanks to the third generation AIP system (Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology). Its characteristic is the ability to produce hydrogen, necessary for the operation of fuel cells, directly on the ship – in the process of reforming bioethanol – without having to store it, as in competitive solutions. This solution does not introduce operating depth restrictions or maintenance limitations, operates in a wide spectrum of geographical zones – from tropical to subarctic regions – and does not increase the sound signature of the unit, as microbubbles air emitted overboard is dispersed in water.

This July, Polish Deputy Minister for National Defence Paul Bejda had the opportunity to visit the Navantia shipyard in Cartagena to see for his own eyes the construction of S-80 submarines for the Spanish Navy and to explore the capabilities of its facilities, extensive technology transfer experience and the creation of an industrial ecosystem enabling local maintenance capacity of submarines.

We do not offer Poland a temporary or bridge solution. We propose a new ship, which from the very beginning provides full combat and reconnaissance capabilities, while significantly increasing the security of this country.
Alfonso Valea, Commercial Director of Navantia, Europe

Navantia also emphasizes the industrial dimension of its offer. In addition to the submarine, it provides transfer of know-how and documentation, guaranteeing the possibility of conducting maintenance and modernization in Poland. Importantly, even before taking the final decision on the selection of the bidder under the Orka programme, Navantia signed cooperation agreements with Polish companies, laying the foundation for a long-term presence in the country and developing a solid local supply chain.

Flexibility is the foundation of our cooperation model. It enables the involvement of as many Polish companies as possible – both shipyards and R & D centres.
Alfonso Valea, Commercial Director of Navantia, Europe

Advanced work on S-80 ships

This year, submarine S-81Isaac Peral which was incorporated into the Spanish Armada Espaniola in 2023 passed a number of challenging combat trials. The start of the series of tests was a marine exercise in January 2025, during which he operated with frigates, rescue ship and SH-60B helicopter as part of a comprehensive operational capacity assessment. In the summer of 2025, an operational evaluation was carried out using real weapons, confirming the unit's readiness to operate in real combat conditions.

Ship S-82 Narciso Monturiol is already fully prepared for launching, which, according to the information provided by Navantia, is expected to occur in the coming weeks. The baptism ceremony of the individual was planned immediately after launching.

Ship S-83 Cosme García is currently under construction and integration of ship systems. The installation of the AIP (BEST) system in the third section of the hull was completed, as scheduled, already in the previous year. Navantia confirms that all milestones are realized on time. Integration included testing a complete section under environmental simulating conditions, which ensured full verification of the system's operation before it was connected to the rest of the hull.

Finally, when S-82 is being prepared to start port and sea trials, the fourth ship – S-84 – went to the assembly hall. Its aft section is already in the position, which means the beginning of the next stage of construction. Hull production The pressure section has been completed and five construction sections are currently in the equipment stage.

S-81 and S-82 will be equipped with a system AIP BEST during the first planned renovations.

Navantia invites you to the MSPO – to Hall 5, to stand A12. This is where you will be able to read the full offer of the Spanish shipyard and talk to experts about submarines and the Ork programme.