01
Whole-of-Nation Proposal & In Operational Service
The S-80 Class is a proven Military-Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) submarine program, with the S-81 commissioned by the Spanish Navy in 2023, the S-82 completing over 1,500 harbour tests, and the S-83 currently under assembly. Representing a “whole-of-nation” commitment from Spain—through its state-owned shipbuilder, navy, and government—this partnership offers Canada a strategic, low-risk CPSP solution with accelerated delivery of three submarines starting in 2033.
02
Interoperability & Continuous Capability Insertion
Designed by Navantia with support from the US Navy and General Dynamics Electric Boat, the S-80 meets all of Canada’s operational requirements with cutting-edge Five Eyes and NATO systems. Its highly automated design enables safe operation with a reduced crew, while its open-architecture command and platform management systems—IPMS and ICSC—allow for seamless NATO weapon integration and continuous upgrades to ensure long-term capability and adaptability.
Core Systems
The S-80 submarine is a highly automated platform and can be safely operated by a very reduced crew. Open architecture enables continuous capability insertion.
Precision Depth & Speed Control
Excellent depth control from very low speed (< 2 kn) to maximum speed and great compromise between stability and manoeuvring for sailing in difficult areas.
One-Man Steering Console
The SDCS provides real time depth and course control of the submarine by means the Steering Console that has been designed with the concept of One-Man-Control.
Automated Platform Management (IPMS)
The IPMS provides automation and remote control of platform systems in a redundant, secure and easy way. Together the non-IPMS allows controlling more than 150 platform systems.
Integrated Combat System (ICSC)
The highly advanced ICSC is based on COTS and integrates acoustic and non-acoustic sensors allowing a comprehensive navigation, tactical management and weapon control.
Submarine Exploration
Navantia has integrated the “best of class” weapons and sensors NATO suppliers.
Integrated Underwater Surveillance
The onboard combat system includes integrated underwater surveillance capabilities by means of the Sonar Array Suite (SAS) delivered by Lockheed Martin.
Multi-Band Acoustic Detection
The system encompasses different sensors for acoustic data gathering at several frequency bands to cope with contacts at short, medium and long ranges: CAS, FAS, PRS, MODS and IAS.
Automated Towed Array Sonar
The Towed Array Sonar (TAS) has been delivered by the Spanish company SAES with a fully automated deployment and recovery electric winch.
Weapons Integration
The S-80’s CMS has an open architecture combat system enabling the intergradation of a wide range of NATO weapons.
Launch Capabilities from Periscope to Depth
The weapons can be launched from Periscope Depth to DDD thanks to Babcock Weapon & Handling Discharge System (WHDS) that handles the six torpedo tubes.
Advanced Torpedo Integration
For ASW, the S-80 has been designed to integrate a range of torpedoes from the Mk48 to the Sea Hake chosen by the Spanish Navy for its submarines.
Harpoon Missile System for Coastal Defense
For ASuW and coastal attack, the S-80 is equipped with the Advanced Harpoon Weapon Control System (AHWCS) to provide control and launch functions of the Block II.
Tomahawk Capability for Land Attack
For land-attack, the S-80 accommodates the UGM-109-E Block IV All-Up-Round Tomahawk missile, the encapsulated version of the TLAM for horizontal launch from submarines.
03
3rd Generation AIP
The S-80’s cutting-edge Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system allows it to stay submerged for up to 21 days, enhancing stealth and under-ice capabilities. Rigorously tested for reliability, the system generates hydrogen on demand using bio-ethanol and oxygen—offering global refueling flexibility, increased autonomy, and strategic deterrence.
Stealth Technology
The Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) can provide new tactical capabilities to the RCN by reducing dramatically the submarine’s ‘indiscretion ratio’.
Extended Submerged Endurance
Cutting-edge technology to extend submerged endurance (up to 21 days) with minimum contribution to submarine signature.
On-Demand Hydrogen Generation
Miniaturized fuel processing plant to generate hydrogen on demand, from bio-ethanol. Military grade fuel cell designed to operate in Reformate Gas and pure Oxygen (no membranes).
Safe Design
Safe design based in recognized military and civil safety standards. Safety is granted thru submarine conventional means.
Fully automated power plant
No additional crew or specialized background required for operation.
04
Training & Simulation
Navantia, as the owner of all intellectual property for its training systems, is well-positioned to swiftly transfer these capabilities to Canada. Through the NAVANTIS simulation platform, submarine crews can train ashore and seamlessly transition to real-world operations. The Royal Canadian Navy will also benefit from direct support by the Spanish Armada, including the opportunity to train and sail aboard the S-81 as early as 2026.
Everything is connected
To assist Spanish Navy submariners to transition from their legacy submarines to the new S-80, Navantia’s training solution includes three key simulation tools.
Platform Simulator
Allows training in normal operation and emergency recovery procedures inside an enclosed cabin that represents to 1:1 scale of the C&C room’s port side.
Tactical Simulator
Designed to train the crew in high intensity tactical scenarios that may lead to a contacts saturation situation enabling the people to become skilled in discriminating and properly classifying threats or targets.
NAVANTIS
Provides the crew and maintainers with full virtual reality training, using practical exercise simulators and operational and maintenance e-learning.
Fully automated power plant
No additional crew or specialized background required for operation.
05
A NATO Supply Chain & Proven Track Record of Building Local Defence Capabilities
The S-80 leverages systems and components from leading NATO suppliers with deep expertise in submarine manufacturing. Navantia has a strong history of fulfilling industrial collaboration commitments and aims to integrate Canadian industry early in the program. This will facilitate meaningful technology transfer, forge strategic partnerships, and reinforce Canada's sovereign naval capabilities.
In-Service Support
Together with the Spanish Navy, Navantia has created a new In-Service Support (ISS) scenario: Technical ISS Management.
Proven ISS Management Model
A solution is based on technical ISS management whose main objectives are to ensure safe navigation and optimize costs, all while achieving maximum operational availability.
Scalable Industrial Cooperation
This model is transferable to other countries with high-level industrial cooperation between Navantia and local defense industries.
100% NATO Supply Chain Advantage
Canada could benefit from a submarine with 100% NATO supply chain with a sea-proven design already operating in the service of a parent navy.
Let’s start a conversation
The S-80 isn’t just a vessel—it’s a strategic partnership opportunity between trusted NATO allies. With cutting-edge technology, operational readiness, and a proven production line, Navantia is ready to support Canada’s defence future. Let’s connect and explore how the S-80 can serve Canada’s evolving naval needs.
Contact Us