Revival after almost a century of history
egyptian port alexandria We received a visit from a Spanish submarine in early November. Isaac Peral S-81the first of the S-80 class to be designed and manufactured entirely in Spain. This stopover will be the first time a Spanish submarine has been stationed in Egypt since 1934, when submarines entered service. C3 and C6 They took part in historic voyages through the Eastern Mediterranean.
he Defense Staff (EMAD) This ship was reported to be part of Operation Sea Guardiana NATO-led maritime security mission aimed at strengthening surveillance, cooperation and the fight against terrorism in Mediterranean waters. This is also the first implementation. Isaac Peral Under the command of the Allies.
High-level official visit
The submarine was met by several military and civilian authorities during its port call in Alexandria. Among them was Sergio Roman Carranza Förster, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Navy. Ambassador of Spain in Cairo. and Chief of Defense Staff Teodoro Esteban López Calderon.
According to EMAD, the submarine’s commander, Commander Fernando Clavijo Rey-Stole, received the delegation and demonstrated the S-81’s technical capabilities. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the command and control system that is central to the ship’s operations, how surveillance is organized internally, and the responsibilities of each officer in the current mission.
Cooperation with NATO and international expansion
Since 2017, Spain has been an active participant. Operation Sea GuardianWe reaffirm our commitment to global maritime security Controlling the threat of terrorism in the region. integration of Isaac Peral S-81 This mission strengthens the role of the Spanish Navy as a strategic ally in the NATO defense architecture.
According to EMAD officials, “the submarine deployment will contribute to knowledge of the maritime environment, support in the fight against terrorism, and strengthen regional maritime security capabilities.” Therefore, the presence of the S-81 will fulfill not only an operational function but also a diplomatic function in the international situation where instability in the Middle East is increasing.
Interest in Egypt and S-80 technology
The Alexandria submarine station also had an industrial and commercial component. Egypt has expressed interest in obtaining credit for this class. S-80 manufactured by shipyard Navantia. The Navy aims to replace the older Soviet Type 033 model, and the S-81 is presented as a cutting-edge technological replacement.
During the demonstration, the Egyptian authorities were able to learn about the ship’s features, including its extended autonomy, advanced propulsion system and the possibility of incorporating an AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) module. This will allow future units to submerge and operate for longer periods without having to surface to charge their batteries.
S-81, a symbol of the new Spanish naval era
he Isaac Peral This is the first of four S-80 series submarines developed by Navantia for the Spanish Navy. the ship follows Narciso Montreal S-82, Cosme Garcia S-83 and Mateo Garcia de los Reyes S-84. It is the first submarine project since the 19th century to be designed and built entirely in Spain, a project that recaptures the tradition started by its inventors. Isaac Peral In 1888.
Innovation and strategic autonomy
The S-80 program made Spain one of the few countries capable of designing and building conventional high-tonnage submarines. The S-81 incorporates an integrated combat system, advanced acoustic sensors, and a modular design for ease of maintenance. Additionally, it is configured to operate in both deterrence and intelligence missions and support to allied forces.
of spanish navy This new generation of submarines strengthens national strategic autonomy and emphasizes that maritime deterrence can be maintained independently. In the words of Admiral López Calderon, “The S-81 represents a qualitative leap forward in the technical and operational capabilities of our military.”
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