In a context of increasing competition for the modernization of military submarine and surface fleets, the Spanish company Navantia has set its sights on the Royal Canadian Navy. Taking advantage of its participation in the CANSEC trade show, held between May 28 and 29, it presented its new S-80 attack submarines. This initiative represents a key opportunity to showcase the capabilities of this platform and compete in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), a strategic program aimed at renewing Canada’s submarine force.
The need to modernize Canada’s submarine fleet arises from a complex geopolitical landscape, where the Arctic, the North Pacific, and the North Atlantic have become areas of growing tension due to the control of natural resources and future trade routes. Facing this challenge, the Canadian government established clear foreign policy and defense guidelines, materialized in July 2024 with the announcement of plans to acquire 12 new conventional or diesel-electric attack submarines. The goal is to replace the four Victoria-class submarines, acquired from the United Kingdom in the early 2000s, whose obsolescence demands an urgent solution.
Regarding the progress of the selection process, a Request for Information (RFI) was recently launched to evaluate preliminary proposals from various manufacturers. Although several companies have expressed interest, two key contenders stand out: South Korea, with its KSS-III submarines, and Spain, with the S-80.
South Korea has positioned the KSS-III as a strong contender following visits by Canadian military delegations to the shipyards of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2023. Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries presented a joint bid valued between $20 billion and $24 billion, committing to deliver the first four submarines before 2035.
With characteristics similar to the S-80, the KSS-III is a 3,000-ton diesel-electric submarine. However, Navantia aims to differentiate itself by reinforcing its commitment to the Canadian market. The Spanish company highlights its submarine as “the most advanced and operational in NATO,” emphasizing its interoperability, proven technology, and industrial support.
Finally, Navantia’s participation in CANSEC (Global Defence & Security Trade Show) has served to position the S-80 as a solution tailored to Canada’s needs and as an initial point of contact with naval authorities. This next-generation oceanic submarine, designed and built entirely in Spain, features a third-generation air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, enabling autonomous operation in hostile environments for weeks.
Currently, the first unit, the S-81 Isaac Peral, is in the final stages of preparation for its entry into service with the Spanish Navy, while Navantia continues advancing in the construction of the remaining class units and promoting its submarines to other nations with similar needs to those of Canada, either for fleet renewal or expansion of their attack submarine forces.
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