S-82 Narciso Monturiol Starts Diesel Engines During S-80 Plus Harbour Trials

Having reached significant milestones throughout 2025, the Spanish Navy and Navantia’s S-80 Plus submarine programme continues to make steady progress. Alongside the multinational exercises being undertaken by the class’s lead boat, S-81 Isaac Peral, the second submarine in the series, S-82 Narciso Monturiol, is also advancing through its harbour trials.

S-82 Narciso Monturiol harbour trials progress

After being launched at Navantia’s Cartagena facilities at the beginning of last October, S-82 Narciso Monturiol has been progressing through tests and preparations since November. Their ultimate purpose is to complete its handover to the Spanish Navy, which, as announced, is expected to take place during 2026.

On 20 March, Spain’s Ministry of Defence provided its latest update on social media regarding the S-82’s harbour trials. It confirmed that the submarine had started its diesel engines for the first time.

The Ministry added that this was a “...new milestone in the harbour trials that brings this submarine a little closer to its delivery to the Spanish Navy”.

S-80 Plus testing and future milestones

As was the case with S-81, the trials now being conducted on Narciso Monturiol are part of a thorough and demanding programme. Every system must be tested, including propulsion, power generation, communications, sonar and weapons systems.

Although no further details were provided, it is likely that one of the next planned milestones following the submarine’s diesel engine start-up will be its first surface voyage. This could subsequently lead to open-sea operations ahead of its first controlled dive.

AIP systems for S-83 and S-84

Finally, the final two boats ordered to equip the Spanish Navy, Cosme García (S-83) and Mateo García de los Reyes (S-84), will feature the installation and integration of new third-generation AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) systems. These will extend endurance and broaden the class’s capabilities.