Latest updates: Major article update.

S-80 cutaway, labeled
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The CIM-2000 Scorpene class diesel-electric attack submarine partnership marked an important step for Spain’s Navantia, as it joined with France’s DCNS to enter the global submarine market. Scorpene is an advanced SSK design, and can be upgraded to AIM-2000 configuration by adding MESMA Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems alongside their diesel-electric drives.

Now Navantia is building on that base of expertise, to field its own S-80 Class for the Spanish Armada. Spain’s new submarines will be larger boats with AIP systems as standard gear, as well as other important modifications. This article will cover the S-80 submarines’ capabilities and associated key events and contracts – including sub-contracts to American, British, and Italian firms.

• S-80 Submarines: Program & Schedule [updated]
• The S-80 Submarines [updated]
  • S-80 Industrial Partners [updated]
    

  [*]S-80 Contracts & Key Events [updated] [*]S-80 Stats [*]Additional Readings & Sources (more…)
  
  View the full article

Navantia is hoping to export the S-80, much like the French are exporting the Scorpene. Brazil and Argentina have been interested. RUMINT says Canada may be interested (if they can get the other programs in NSPS rolling). It looks like a pretty solid platform - on paper that is. Only time will tell, once the thing is actually laid-down, fitted-out and sailing.

Additionally, it will be interesting to see who rolls their new boat out first - the Spanish or the Swedes. Besides Navantia working on the S-80, the Swedish are developing the A-26 as a replacement for the Gotlands. It is likely that they too, will attempt to market this platform on the international market.