OVERVIEW: The S 71 Galerna [Agosta, S-70] is a diesel-electric submarine operated by the Spanish Navy, commissioned in 1984. It belongs to the Agosta-class, also known as the S-70 class within the Spanish Navy.

DETAILS: The Agosta-class submarines were developed in France by Direction des Constructions et Armes Navales (DCAN, now Naval Group) and are characterized by their relatively compact dimensions and emphasis on quiet operation. The design prioritized acoustic stealth to enhance its survivability in littoral and open-ocean environments. The class was intended to provide a cost-effective and capable submarine force for navies with diverse operational requirements. Spain opted to procure the Agosta-class to modernize its submarine fleet, providing a significant improvement in underwater warfare capabilities. The Galerna, the lead ship of the class for the Spanish Navy, was part of a program that also involved technology transfer to foster indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

The primary role of the S 71 Galerna is anti-submarine warfare (ASW), with a secondary focus on anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and intelligence gathering. The submarine is capable of conducting patrol missions, surveillance operations, and covert insertion of special forces. Its design allows for effective operation in both deep ocean environments and shallow, coastal waters. The 533mm torpedo tubes provide the capability to engage both surface ships and submarines with a variety of torpedoes. The installation of the TRS 3100 Calypso III [DRUA 33C] sonar provides a robust active and passive detection capability, allowing for long-range detection and tracking of potential threats. The DUUX 2A, DUUA 2B, DUUA 1A, DUUA 2D, DSUV 2H, DUUG 5, and DUUG 6 [M5] sonars provide enhanced situational awareness and target classification.

Technologically, the S 71 Galerna is equipped with a suite of sensors and systems designed to maximize its operational effectiveness. The submarine periscopes, both optical and low-light television (LLTV), allow for visual observation of the surface environment and aid in navigation and target identification. The generic ESM system provides the capability to detect and analyze radio frequency emissions from enemy platforms, enhancing its situational awareness and early warning capabilities. While the specific details of the signal ejector are not available, such systems are generally used to deploy countermeasures or decoys to confuse enemy sensors. The Agosta class submarines are known for their relatively quiet operation compared to other diesel-electric submarines of the same era, making them difficult to detect.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 67.6 m || Beam: 6.8 m || Draft: 5.4 m || Disp: 1490 t

SENSORS: TRS 3100 Calypso III [DRUA 33C] || Generic ESM [Average] || DUUX 2A || DUUA 2B || DUUA 1A || DUUA 2D || DSUV 2H || DUUG 5 || DUUG 6 [M5] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT || Signal Ejector