Spanish Navy Submarine S-81 Sinks Retired Patrol Vessel in Atlantic Exercise

The Spanish Navy's first S-80 class submarine, the Isaac Peral (S-81), successfully sank the decommissioned patrol vessel Infanta Elena with a single torpedo during the live-fire SINKEX 26 exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, near the Canary Islands. The maneuver served to test the submarine's advanced weapon systems and evaluate its operational coordination with various surface ships and aerial assets.

Announced by the Navy, the deliberate sinking marked the final chapter for the Infanta Elena, which entered service in 1980 as a Descubierta-class corvette and was later reclassified as an offshore patrol vessel before being retired in March 2023 after nearly 43 years of service. Prior to the exercise, the retired ship underwent complete decontamination, which included the removal of all fuels, oils, and other hazardous pollutants.

While the Navy did not officially specify the exact model of the torpedo utilized in the engagement, defense analysts note that the S-80 class is equipped with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes designed to operate with heavy armaments such as the German-manufactured DM2A4 SeaHake mod 4. The successful deployment highlighted the submarine's capability to operate discreetly and strike targets with precision over long distances.

Captain Rafael Mira Calvo, commander of the 41st Escort Squadron, directed the at-sea maneuvers from the frigate Navarra. Captain Mira Calvo emphasized that the success of the exercise depended entirely on the professionalism, rigorous preparation, and seamless coordination demonstrated by the participating crews, pilots, and specialized support teams.

The exercise featured a comprehensive joint deployment involving multiple branches of the Spanish armed forces. Alongside the Isaac Peral, the naval assets included the frigates Cristóbal Colón and Navarra, the multipurpose vessel Carnota, the maritime action ship Relámpago, and a Mine Countermeasures Diver Unit.

The aerial component was equally robust, deploying three AV-8B Harrier aircraft, a 10th Squadron helicopter, a Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle from the 11th Squadron, and a maritime surveillance aircraft from the Spanish Air and Space Force. Together, these units simulated close-combat coordination scenarios to validate the tactical readiness of the fleet.

Environmental protection measures remained a central focus throughout the planning and execution of the SINKEX 26 operations. Following hydrographic and environmental assessments of the designated zone, authorities implemented strict surveillance and inspection protocols designed to protect local cetaceans and other protected marine species while ensuring the safety of civilian navigation.