World · Europe · 9 hrs ago
Spanish S-81 submarine sinks former patrol ship with torpedo near Canary Islands
Spain’s S-81 Isaac Peral submarine sank the former patrol ship Infanta Elena during a live-fire exercise in the Atlantic near the Canary Islands.
The exercise, called Sinkex 26, tested the Navy’s weapons and combat readiness.
The hit was the first time the S-81 has struck and sunk a target with a torpedo, though it had used a torpedo in live fire before.
The submarine used one heavy, wire-guided torpedo, and the Navy said the test showed it could operate quietly and hit a target accurately.
The S-81 took part alongside other Spanish ships and aircraft, including two frigates, a helicopter and three Harrier jets.
Before the sinking, the retired ship was cleared of fuel, oil and other pollutants, and monitoring was used to protect marine wildlife and civilian navigation.
The Navy said the exercise tested the submarine’s role in Spain’s defence and its commitments to allies; no further steps were specified.
The Spanish Navy’s S-81 Isaac Peral submarine sank the decommissioned patrol ship Infanta Elena with a torpedo during the Sinkex 26 live-fire exercise.
The exercise took place in Atlantic waters near the Canary Islands.
The Navy said the exercise tested the S-81’s weapons and its ability to operate with other fleet units.
It was the first time the S-81 had hit and sunk a target with a torpedo, according to Cadena SER.
The Infanta Elena was cleaned of fuel, oils and other pollutants before it was sunk.
- Who
- The Spanish Navy’s S-81 Isaac Peral submarine sank the former patrol ship Infanta Elena.
- What
- The submarine used a torpedo during the Sinkex 26 live-fire exercise.
- When
- The exercise was reported on 4 November 2026. The exact date of the sinking is not stated.
- Where
- Atlantic waters near the Canary Islands.
- Why
- The exercise tested the submarine’s weapons, combat capabilities and coordination with other fleet units.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The decommissioned Infanta Elena was cleaned of fuel, oils and other potentially polluting components.
The S-81 fired a torpedo that hit and sank the Infanta Elena in Atlantic waters near the Canary Islands.
- Submarine
- S-81 Isaac Peral
- Target
- Decommissioned patrol ship Infanta Elena
- Exercise
- Sinkex 26
- Weapon
- One wire-guided DM2A4 heavy torpedo
- Location
- Atlantic waters near the Canary Islands
- Exercise commander
- Captain Rafael Mira Calvo of the 41st Escort Squadron
3 sources
What people are saying
Its true deterrent value lies in the silent certainty of its presence.
operate discreetly and respond with precision when the situation requires it
the exercise could not have been carried out without the professionalism, preparation and good coordination of the crews, pilots, specialist teams and support organizations of the participating units