Navantia announced progress on the S-81 Isaac Peral submarine, being built at the Cartagena facilities in Murcia. The company remains confident that immersion tests planned for April will be completed and that delivery will occur within the year, signaling a strong push forward for the project.
The update came from Navantia’s Director of Naval Construction, Agustín Álvarez, during the 5th National Maritime Congress organized by the Spanish Maritime Cluster and the Royal Spanish Naval Corps, an event that also featured Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Antonio Martorell. While acknowledging the ambitious nature of the program, Álvarez indicated that some uncertain elements might still arise in this phase of testing.
Martorell noted that a successful leap toward strategic autonomy will be pursued with safety in mind, even though the path is costly and the program remains high risk. He emphasized that the S-80 series submarines designed at Navantia in Cartagena represent some of the most ambitious endeavors within Spain’s naval industry to date.
According to the admiral, Spain aspires to join a select group of countries capable of designing, building, maintaining, and operating submarines under national authority. This marks a significant step for Spain as it looks to strengthen its defense industrial base through homegrown capabilities.
Regarding schedule delays, Álvarez reiterated that the program has endured a demanding testing phase. He explained that, as a prototype, certain issues may emerge not from the design itself but from equipment selected for the submarine. Despite these challenges, he expressed unwavering confidence in a comprehensive plan for the year and in the likelihood of delivering the S-81 within the calendar year.
Álvarez added that any remaining doubts would be dispelled as the initiative progresses steadily. He highlighted that immersion tests would begin soon and that there is no question of commitment or direction at the defense level, underscoring a clear plan shared with defense authorities.
Indra’s leadership in defense technologies
At the same roundtable, Indra’s CEO, Ignacio Mataix, spoke about the company’s strong role in the European defense landscape. He described Indra as a leading contributor to new European defense capabilities and stressed the importance of continued government support for the National Defense Strategy. Mataix called for sustainable investment and long-term planning to build capacity at the base over the coming years.
The Chief of the Naval Staff added that the armed forces rely on broad participation from industry to grow a robust defense culture in the country. He argued that sustained political support is essential to ensuring that investment translates into tangible security benefits for the state.
He also underscored the need for ongoing collaboration among defense contractors and the armed forces, noting that a vibrant defense ecosystem requires ongoing engagement from all stakeholders. This cooperative approach is seen as critical to strengthening Spain’s strategic autonomy and security posture in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Blue economy concerns about public support
During the opening ceremony, Alejandro Aznar, head of the Spanish Maritime Cluster, described the shipping sector as a pillar of the nation’s economy and urged administrations to adopt policies that promote sustainable growth. He called for measures that will enable ships and maritime industries to thrive in a competitive landscape while protecting the environment.
Juan Diaz, head of Spain’s Royal Navy Corps, lamented what he called a retreat of public powers from sea-related initiatives. He pointed out that the maritime sector contributes a meaningful share of GDP and employment, and argued that it deserves equal development opportunities alongside neighboring regions. Diaz urged policymakers to listen to the sector’s needs and future ambitions, emphasizing a historical context that justifies renewed attention and investment.
The overall message from industry and defense leaders was clear: a thriving maritime sector benefits national security, economic resilience, and regional competitiveness. The discussion highlighted a shared desire to see a strong, well-supported defense and blue economy that can endure beyond current political cycles and adapt to future challenges and opportunities. [Attribution: statements from Navantia, Indra, and the Royal Spanish Naval Corps at the National Maritime Congress.]