Navantia selects Exail's WECDIS for Spanish S-80 Plus-class submarines.

According to a PR published by Exail on May 27, 2024, the firm has been awarded a contract by Navantia to supply its Gecdis-W Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information System (WECDIS) for the Spanish S80 Plus-class submarines.
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S-80 Plus-class submarine Isaac Peral. (Picture source: Navantia)

The S-80 Plus-class submarines are designed to replace the aging Galerna (Agosta) class and bring enhanced capabilities to Spain's naval forces. With an overall length of approximately 80.8 meters and a submerged displacement of around 3,200 tonnes, they are among the largest non-nuclear submarines in the world.

Their propulsion system includes a Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which allows them to remain submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing​.

These submarines are equipped with advanced combat systems and a variety of weapons, including the DM2A4 heavyweight torpedo, UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missile, and SAES seabed mines. There is also potential for future integration of UGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles.

The development of the S-80 Plus-class submarines has faced several challenges and delays, primarily due to initial design issues that required significant modifications. These included lengthening the hull by 10 meters to resolve buoyancy problems and incorporating additional technological enhancements. Despite these setbacks, the first submarine, Isaac Peral (S-81), was launched in 2021 and commissioned in November 2023.

Exail Gecdis-W system

The incorporation of the Exail Gecdis-W system, which is certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as ECDIS software and complies with NATO’s STANAG standards, will enhance these capabilities by providing the crew with advanced electronic navigational charts.