1 Torpedo Sinks Infanta Elena via Spanish Submarine Isaac Peral

The Spanish Navy sank the decommissioned offshore patrol vessel Infanta Elena in the Atlantic Ocean using a single heavy torpedo fired from the diesel-electric submarine Isaac Peral (S-81), according to the official website of the Spanish Navy and reporting by Naval News.

The live-fire engagement took place during the SINKEX 26 naval exercise. Military officials stated that the maneuvers tested the combat readiness of the S-81 crew and the tactical effectiveness of its weapon systems in conditions closely resembling active combat.

Fleet Integration During SINKEX 26

Naval News reported that the exercise involved close coordination between underwater, surface, and air assets. The participating surface group included the frigates Cristóbal Colón (F-105) and Navarra (F-85), the multipurpose vessel Carnota (A-61), and the patrol vessel Relámpago (P-43). The aerial component featured three AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft, a helicopter from the 10th Squadron, a ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle from the 11th Squadron, and a maritime patrol aircraft from the Spanish Air Force. Captain Rafael Mira Calvo, commander of the 41st Escort Squadron, directed the operations from aboard the frigate Navarra.

The Spanish Navy emphasized that the exercise demonstrated the submarine force’s capacity to operate undetected and deliver precise strikes against surface targets. Military officials noted that the primary deterrent value lies in the silent certainty of the submarine’s presence—the knowledge that an invisible vessel can neutralize threats from a distance without engaging in open conflict.

Crews remove polluting components before sinking the vessel

Before the target vessel was sunk, crews removed all fuel, lubricants, and other polluting components from the Infanta Elena. The Armada conducted hydrographic and environmental assessments of the Atlantic Ocean test area prior to the live-fire sequence. During the exercise, specialized teams maintained continuous observation protocols to protect marine mammals and other protected species in the region.

📌According to the Spanish Navy (@Armada_esp), the S-81 Isaac Peral submarine sank the former patrol vessel Infanta Elena with a single torpedo during SINKEX 26. 📌The live-fire exercise tested the submarine's combat capabilities and crew readiness. 🔗https://t.co/qbaTxcrBPj pic.twitter.com/YloY3JcQHf

— https://x.com/defensehere_en/status/2118012106251612337

These measures mirror similar international operations. On September 29, the United States and the United Kingdom sank the decommissioned frigate USS Klakring using a combination of NSM and Sea Venom anti-ship missiles, an SM-6 missile, and a heavy Mk 48 torpedo.

Specifications of the S-81 Isaac Peral

Navantia built the Isaac Peral as the lead vessel of the S-80 class of diesel-electric submarines. The Spanish Navy formally accepted the submarine on November 30, 2023, at the naval base in Cartagena. The vessel measures 80.81 meters in length, 11.68 meters in beam, and 6.77 meters in draft.

The submarine displaces 2,695 tons surfaced and 2,965 tons submerged. Its propulsion plant combines three 1,100 kW diesel generators with a 3,500 kW main electric motor, delivering a surface speed of 12 knots and a submerged speed of 20.5 knots. The manufacturer reports a working depth exceeding 300 meters.

Armament includes six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes capable of deploying SeaHake Mod. 4 heavy torpedoes, Sub-Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, and naval mines. A standard crew of 40 operates the submarine. The Spanish Navy has ordered four S-80 class vessels to modernize its underwater fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions About SINKEX 26

What vessel was sunk during the SINKEX 26 exercise?

The Spanish Navy sank the decommissioned offshore patrol vessel Infanta Elena using a single heavy torpedo fired from the submarine Isaac Peral (S-81).

Which shipyard built the S-81 submarine?

The Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company Navantia designed and built the Isaac Peral, delivering it to the Spanish Navy on November 30, 2023, at Cartagena.

The Spanish submarine Isaac Peral has sunk the decommissioned patrol vessel Infanta Elena with a single torpedo during Exercise SINKEX 26 in the Atlantic, the first of the new S-80 class showing it is ready for operations. Click image for more.https://t.co/wlh6HxkB9j

— https://x.com/UKDefJournal/status/2117975451939254454

What environmental precautions were taken before the sinking?

Crews completely decontaminated the target vessel by removing all fuel, lubricants, and potential pollutants. Environmental teams also conducted hydrographic surveys and monitored the Atlantic test zone for marine mammals.

How many submarines of the S-80 class has Spain ordered?

The Spanish Navy ordered a total of four diesel-electric submarines under the S-80 program to update its underwater defense capabilities.