OVERVIEW: The S 61 *Delfin* [Daphne, S-60] is a Daphne-class diesel-electric submarine operated by the Spanish Navy.

DETAILS: The Daphne class was originally a French design (Project S-60) intended to replace aging World War II-era submarines. Spain, seeking to modernize its submarine force, acquired a license to build four units at the Empresa Nacional Bazán (now Navantia) shipyard in Cartagena. *Delfin*, the first of the class, was laid down in 1968 and commissioned in 1973. These submarines represented a significant leap in Spanish naval capabilities at the time, providing a modern, conventionally powered underwater platform. The design emphasizes quiet operation, making it suitable for reconnaissance, patrol, and anti-submarine warfare in littoral environments. Throughout its service life, the *Delfin* underwent several upgrades to modernize its sensor suite and combat systems, ensuring its continued relevance in the evolving naval landscape.

The primary role of the *Delfin* is anti-submarine warfare (ASW), with secondary capabilities in anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and intelligence gathering. Its design prioritizes stealth and endurance, allowing it to conduct prolonged patrols in contested waters. The submarine's capabilities extend to supporting amphibious operations and conducting covert surveillance missions. The *Delfin*'s two 550mm torpedo tubes allow engagement of surface and subsurface targets, offering a degree of offensive capability. While lacking air defense armament, its stealth capabilities significantly reduce the risk of detection by air assets. The presence of both optical and low-light television periscopes provides enhanced visual reconnaissance capabilities, allowing for discreet observation of surface contacts.

The S 61 *Delfin* boasts a diverse sensor suite for target detection and navigation. The installation of the NO/VR-1B radar provides surface search capabilities, enabling the submarine to detect and track surface vessels. The TRS 3100 Calypso III (DRUA 33C) sonar serves as the primary active sonar system, allowing for ranging and classification of underwater contacts. The DUUX 2A, DUUA 2A, DUUA 1A, DSUV 2, and DUUG 1A sonars represent various passive sonar arrays, designed for long-range detection and localization of underwater targets based on their acoustic signatures. These passive arrays are essential for maintaining stealth while gathering intelligence on enemy submarine movements. The integration of a generic submarine periscope (optical) and a generic submarine periscope (LLTV) offers redundant visual observation capabilities, particularly useful in shallow water environments or during periods of increased surface activity.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 57.8 m || Beam: 6.7 m || Draft: 5.3 m || Disp: 860 t

SENSORS: NO/VR-1B || TRS 3100 Calypso III [DRUA 33C] || DUUX 2A || DUUA 2A || DUUA 1A || DSUV 2 || DUUG 1A || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 550mm TT || 550mm TT