The new Spanish submarine Isaac Peral has dived to a maximum depth of 460 metres for the first time

Navantina conducted another test of the Spanish submarine Isaac Peral. This time the warship was submerged for the first time to the maximum depth.

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Isaac Peral is the lead submarine of the new generation of the Spanish Navy. It continues to undergo tests ahead of commissioning. The new tests were conducted by Navantina with the assistance of the Spanish Navy and the Spanish Defence Ministry.

Navantina marked an important milestone in the testing of the diesel-electric submarine. Isaac Peral was able to successfully dive to its maximum depth (460 metres). This was the first time this had happened and was an important step towards the transfer of the submarine to the Spanish Navy.

The Iberian country ordered four new generation vessels almost 20 years ago. All of them were expected to join the fleet by 2015. However, two years before that, a problem was discovered.

All four submarines were already under construction. In 2013, it was discovered that they weighed 100 tonnes more than the design weight. This significantly reduces the range underwater. Another blow to the project was a reduction in funding.

Isaac Peral has a displacement of almost 3,400 tonnes and can reach speeds of about 40 km/h. It has a cruising range of about 8,000 kilometres. The Spanish submarine will be able to carry out missions for 55 days. Armament is represented by DM2A4 torpedoes and Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles.