Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
On 7 November 2025, the Spanish Navy confirmed that its S‑80 Plus submarine, Isaac Peral, visited Egypt’s Ras El Tin naval base in Alexandria. This call is part of a broader technical evaluation that began in October during a meeting in Madrid. The assessment underscores deepening defense and naval cooperation between Egypt and Spain, and signals Egypt’s interest in acquiring advanced undersea capabilities as it continues to modernize its fleet.
What Is the S‑80 Plus — “Isaac Peral”?
The S‑80 Plus is a cutting-edge conventional (non-nuclear) submarine, developed by Spain’s Navantia shipyard. The first of its class, Isaac Peral (also known as S‑81), was officially delivered to the Spanish Navy in November 2023.
Key features of the S‑80 class include:
- A length of roughly 80.8 meters and a submerged displacement of about 3,000 tonnes.
- Advanced automation: the vessel can operate with a relatively small crew of around 32 sailors, plus room for eight additional personnel.
- A highly modern propulsion system: later submarines in the series are equipped with a Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, allowing the sub to remain submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing.
- Weapons capability: the submarine is fitted with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, capable of firing heavyweight torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
- Integrated combat systems: including a platform control system and advanced sensors supplied in part by Lockheed Martin.
These features make the S‑80 a stealthy, long-endurance platform suitable not just for coastal missions but also for extended operations in deeper waters.
Why Egypt Might Be Interested
Egypt’s evaluation of the S‑80 comes at a time of ongoing naval modernization. The country has been steadily expanding its submarine force, and adding a modern, high-end conventional sub would enhance its deterrent capabilities and undersea surveillance reach.
Some potential drivers of Egypt’s interest could include:
- Strategic Deterrence & Power Projection
A sub like the S‑80 would significantly boost Egypt’s ability to project power in the Eastern Mediterranean and guard critical maritime routes, such as those near the Suez Canal. - Long-Endurance Operations
Thanks to its AIP system, the S‑80 can stay submerged for very long periods. This gives it an edge in surveillance and intelligence gathering, making it useful for covert missions or strategic patrols. - Interoperability & Technology Transfer
Engaging with Spain could open doors for technology transfer, training, and deeper naval cooperation. Egypt could benefit from Spain’s experience in designing, operating, and maintaining these advanced subs. - Modernizing Aging Fleet
Egypt currently operates a mix of older submarines (for example, Romeo class submarines). The S‑80 would represent a generational leap, both in terms of stealth and systems sophistication.
Strategic and Geopolitical Implications
- Defense Diplomacy: The evaluation itself is a signal of growing ties between Egypt and Spain in the defense domain. It may also reflect broader European interest in strengthening Egypt’s naval capabilities as a regional security partner.
- Regional Balance: If Egypt adds such a submarine to its navy, it could shift the balance in the Mediterranean maritime domain, especially vis‑à‑vis other naval powers in the region.
- Export Potential: For Spain and Navantia, Egypt represents a potential customer in what could be a broader push to export S‑80 submarines. The class already draws international attention given its advanced design.
Technical & Operational Readiness
- The Isaac Peral (S‑81) has already begun operational evaluation, including sea trials and a national cruise from Cartagena in March 2025. armada.defensa.gob.es
- According to sources, Isaac Peral is set to formally integrate all key systems and may undergo rigorous operational testing. Atalayar+1
- The second sub in the class, Narciso Monturiol (S‑82), has started “power up” tests ahead of delivery, though the full AIP system will only be installed later. European Security & Defence
Risks and Challenges
- Cost and Finance: These advanced submarines are expensive, both upfront and in terms of lifecycle costs (maintenance, crew training, refits).
- Political Risk: A deal would require high-level political commitment from both sides, along with long-term security guarantees.
- Integration Complexity: Introducing a modern submarine like the S‑80 into Egypt’s naval doctrine would demand significant investments in infrastructure, training, and maintenance.
Egypt’s evaluation of Spain’s S‑80 submarine is a major development in its naval modernization strategy. If it proceeds to acquire these submarines, it could markedly enhance its undersea capabilities, contributing to long-term strategic flexibility in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
