Spain's Navantia Offers S-80 Submarines as Canada Seeks 12 New Conventional Subs.

On June 2025, Spain’s Navantia proposed its S-80 submarines to Canada as part of an offer to support the Royal Canadian Navy’s future fleet renewal. It has been said during CANSEC 2025 in Canada that Navantia is intensifying efforts to position the S-80 as a key contender in Ottawa’s search for 12 new conventional submarines. As reported by official sources and Navantia representatives, this move could pave the way for a transatlantic industrial alliance in the undersea warfare domain. With a potential investment of 100 billion Canadian dollars at stake, Spain’s proposal signals a major step in the strategic alignment between both NATO allies.
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Spain’s offer to Canada carries significance beyond mere platform selection. By proposing the S-80 as a foundation for a broader NATO-aligned defense industry partnership, Madrid positions itself as a reliable transatlantic partner in a time of shifting security dynamics (Picture source: Navantia)

Navantia’s S-80 submarine stands as one of the most advanced non-nuclear platforms within NATO. Designed and built entirely in Spain, the vessel is equipped with a third-generation air-independent propulsion (AIP) system allowing it to operate submerged for extended periods without surfacing. This capability dramatically enhances its survivability and effectiveness in high-threat environments. With a full load displacement of over 3,000 tons and a range adapted for blue-water operations, the S-80 is optimized for both Atlantic and Arctic missions, two strategic theaters for the Royal Canadian Navy.

The development of the S-80 began in the early 2000s as part of Spain’s national effort to build an indigenous submarine capable of long-endurance missions without nuclear propulsion. The lead ship, S-81 Isaac Peral, launched in 2021, is currently in final sea trials before delivery to the Spanish Navy. Built at Navantia’s Cartagena shipyard with support from national R&D programs, the S-80 program has overcome early technical hurdles to become a cornerstone of Spain’s naval modernization. Its modular design and NATO-standard interoperability make it a prime candidate for export to allied fleets seeking operational flexibility and industrial partnerships.

Compared to its competitors in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), notably the KSS-III from South Korea’s Hanwha and Hyundai, Navantia’s S-80 offers key advantages. Unlike the Korean proposal, which would require initial deliveries from Asian shipyards, the Spanish plan includes comprehensive technology transfer and industrial participation by Canadian firms, potentially offering domestic job creation and long-term economic benefits. Technologically, while both platforms offer AIP capabilities, the S-80 has been framed as the most combat-ready and interoperable submarine currently in service within NATO, an edge over France’s Scorpène and Germany’s Type 212CD, both also in contention.

At the strategic level, Spain’s offer to Canada carries significance beyond mere platform selection. By proposing the S-80 as a foundation for a broader NATO-aligned defense industry partnership, Madrid positions itself as a reliable transatlantic partner in a time of shifting security dynamics. For Canada, acquiring the S-80 would strengthen its ability to project undersea deterrence in contested maritime spaces, particularly the Arctic and North Atlantic, while diversifying away from legacy platforms procured from the United Kingdom. The presence of Spanish naval officials and Canadian commanders at CANSEC further underscores a shared commitment to deepening defense cooperation.

Historically, Spain and Canada have not maintained significant defense-industrial ties, making Navantia’s initiative particularly notable. However, both countries operate within NATO frameworks and share interests in maritime security. Navantia’s track record with the Spanish Navy and its role in the F-110 frigate program reflect a mature industrial base capable of delivering large-scale naval platforms. The Spanish government’s support of this proposal highlights an intent to use the S-80 as a vehicle for deeper cooperation and industrial footprint expansion into North America.

In terms of budget, Canada’s CPSP is expected to involve expenditures up to 100 billion CAD, placing it among the most ambitious conventional submarine acquisitions in the world. Navantia’s last confirmed submarine customer was the Spanish Navy, but the company has actively promoted the S-80 to countries like India and Australia. Should Canada select Navantia’s proposal, it would not only transform Canada’s submarine force but could redefine Spain’s global role in high-end naval shipbuilding.

Spain’s proposal to supply the S-80 submarine to Canada is more than a commercial offer, it reflects a broader strategic ambition to strengthen interoperability, reinforce NATO cohesion, and promote industrial cooperation across the Atlantic. As geopolitical tensions intensify around the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions, Navantia’s initiative offers Canada the prospect of building a next-generation submarine fleet with proven NATO-aligned technology and long-endurance capabilities. Should Ottawa ultimately select the S-80, the decision would mark a turning point for Canadian undersea defense and signal the emergence of a new transatlantic industrial alliance in the maritime domain.