HUGE AMBITIONS FOR INDIA

Navantia's AIP BEST system is one of the major cutting-edge technologies of the S80 submarines which will provide unprecedented tactical capabilities, shares JOSE PORTO, Director India, Business Development & Commercial Division NAVANTIA SA India.

- JOSE PORTO

What are the latest developments related to the S80-plus programme?

We The S-81 Isaac Peral submarine is one of the most modern conventional submarines in the world, the first unit of a series of four--designed and built by Navantia for the Spanish Navy. The official commissioning took place on the 30th. November, achieving the target date set by the Spanish Navy and the Minister of Defence, after completing all the harbour and sea trials.

The last sea trials took place on the 17th of November, previously the maximum operating depth test was completed in October.

It is important to highlight the factory acceptance tests (FAT) of the AIP BEST (Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology) system for the S-80 submarines, were also completed in September this year. This milestone, crucial for the S-80 programme, has allowed Navantia to finally verify the performance and operational capabilities of the AIP in a simulated operating environment, i.e., on land but with a high degree of fidelity to the demanding conditions system will have to withstand real mission. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the test facilities built at the Cartagena Shipyard which are unique in the world.