Isaac Peral sinks retired Navy ship in Atlantic drill

The Spanish Navy said on Wednesday that the Isaac Peral had sunk a retired patrol ship in Atlantic waters. The submarine fired one live torpedo at the Infanta Elena during SINKEX 26.

The drill used live weapons and brought sea and air units together. The Navy said it tested the S-81 in conditions close to combat.

First S-80 leads the drill

The Isaac Peral is the first boat in Spain’s S-80 class. The Navy said the launch showed how the submarine can stay hidden and strike with care when needed.

The Defence Ministry said the boat is ready to aid Spain and its allies. It also cast the test as proof of Spain’s skill in making new submarines.

The Navy says a submarine can deter threats even when it is not seen. Its value comes from the chance that it may be on patrol and able to act at long range.

The frigates Cristóbal Colón and Navarra joined the drill. So did the ships Carnota and Relámpago, along with a mine diving team.

Three AV-8B Harrier jets took part. The force also used a Navy helicopter, a Scan Eagle drone and a sea patrol plane.

Captain Rafael Mira Calvo led the work at sea from the Navarra. He said the drill relied on the skill and close work of crews, pilots and support teams.

Final role for Infanta Elena

The Infanta Elena left Navy service in March 2023 after almost 43 years. It had sailed more than 730,000 miles and spent 4,200 days at sea.

Its past work included anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Guinea in 2014 and 2018. It also served in Operation Atalanta in 2012 and Operation Perejil in 2002.

The ship had also taken part in the UN naval blockade of Iraq in 1991.

Before the sinking, crews removed fuel, oil and other parts that could pollute the sea. The Navy also checked the drill area from sea-floor and green points of view.

A watch and check plan was active during the test. It aimed to protect whales, dolphins and other protected species.

The Navy said SINKEX 26 helped crews train for hard tasks. It also tested how well the submarine could work with the wider fleet.

Sources: Las Provincias, Diario de Cádiz, ABC and El Español.