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New Chapter in Spanish Naval Power as S 81 Isaac Peral Begins National Journey.
The Spanish Navy's S-81 Isaac Peral submarine departed from the Cartagena Arsenal on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 09:30 hours for its inaugural national cruise. This historic moment marks a new milestone in the modernization of the Spanish naval fleet.
The Spanish Navy's S-81 Isaac Peral submarine set sail from Cartagena Arsenal (Picture source: Spanish MoD)
On March 8, 2025, the Spanish Navy's S-81 Isaac Peral submarine set sail from Cartagena Arsenal for its first national cruise, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of Spain’s naval fleet.
Following an extensive program of trials and training, the submarine’s crew, led by Lieutenant Commander Manuel Corral Iranzo, which includes 49 men and 5 women, has worked diligently to ensure the operational readiness of this state-of-the-art vessel. The crew has spent the past year preparing, refining their skills, and guaranteeing the submarine’s performance.
Although the Spanish Navy has not disclosed specific details about the route, port stops, or planned exercises for this initial voyage, the Communications Office at the Cartagena Arsenal confirmed that further information is not yet available.
The Isaac Peral is the first submarine of the S-80 class, designed to bolster Spain's submarine defense capabilities. It stands out as the first vessel to be built entirely at Navantia's Cartagena shipyard, a testament to the country’s industrial and technological expertise. Despite facing challenges during its development, the S-81 was launched on May 7, 2021, and after a rigorous testing phase, it was officially handed over to the Spanish Navy on November 30, 2023.
The Spanish Navy emphasized that the S-81 represents not only a technological achievement but also a significant step forward for national security and defense. The submarine strengthens Spain’s operational capacity at sea, equipped with advanced technology and manned by a highly skilled crew. This milestone underlines Spain’s commitment to the modernization of its Armed Forces and represents an important advancement in building a more capable and efficient fleet.