The Spanish Navy has successfully completed the SINKEX 26 naval exercise in waters of the Atlantic Ocean —a periodic training event involving live-fire weaponry— during which the submarine ‘Isaac Peral’ (S-81) sank the decommissioned offshore patrol vessel ‘Infanta Elena’ by firing a single torpedo.
Spanish Navy press release
This exercise provided an opportunity to put the combat capabilities of the Submarine Force into practice within a joint operational scenario alongside other naval assets.
The firing of the torpedo demonstrates one of the core capabilities for which this submarine was designed: the ability to operate stealthily and respond with precision whenever the situation demands. However, its true deterrent value lies in the silent certainty of its presence. The knowledge that a submarine could be patrolling invisibly anywhere within our waters —and that it possesses the capability to neutralize a threat from a great distance— serves, in itself, as one of the most effective mechanisms for ensuring security, without the need for a conflict to arise.
The participation of the ‘Peral’ —the first unit in the S-80 series— demonstrates that it is fully prepared to contribute to Spain’s defense and to the commitments made to its allies, while also highlighting the national industry’s capability to design and build state-of-the-art submarines. Its operational deployment bridges this innovation with the high level of training of its crew and its integration into the rest of the Fleet.
The exercise facilitated the coordination of naval and naval-air elements using live ordnance under conditions closely resembling a combat scenario. This allowed for an exhaustive evaluation of weapon systems while strengthening the deterrence capability. The maneuvers demonstrated the full integration of the S-81 alongside the frigates ‘Cristóbal Colón’ (F-105) and ‘Navarra’ (F-85), the multipurpose vessel ‘Carnota’ (A-61), the OPV ‘Relámpago’ (P-43), the Mine Countermeasures Diving Unit, three AV-8B ‘Harrier’ aircraft, a helicopter from the 10th Squadron, a ‘Scan Eagle’ UAV from the 11th Squadron, and a maritime patrol aircraft from the Spanish Air Force.
The activity at sea was directed by the Commander of the 41st Escort Squadron (COMANDES-41), Captain Rafael Mira Calvo, and his Staff, embarked aboard the frigate ‘Navarra’. The Commander noted that “the exercise could not have been conducted without the professionalism, training, and effective coordination of the crews, pilots, specialized teams, and support elements of the participating units; their performance was essential to executing the activities in accordance with established procedures and safety measures”.
Through SINKEX-26, the Armada continues to strengthen the training of its units and the readiness of its personnel to operate in demanding scenarios. This ongoing effort ensures the maintenance of effective, technologically advanced military capabilities, contributing directly to deterrence and the defense of Spain.
Protection and Safety of Maritime Spaces
Environmental protection has been another fundamental aspect of this activity. As a key part of the exercise planning, the Armada implemented rigorous measures to preserve the marine environment. Prior to the exercise, the decommissioned vessel underwent a complete decontamination process, involving the removal of all fuels, oils, and potentially polluting components.
Furthermore, the maneuvering area was assessed beforehand from both a hydrographic and environmental perspective. During the training, a specific monitoring and inspection protocol was implemented to protect cetaceans and other protected species, ensuring that essential military training remained fully compatible with respect for the ecosystem and the safety of civilian navigation in the area.
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