Spanish Navy's Poseidon submarine rescue
Navantia has held a naming ceremony for the Spanish Navy's new BAM-IS submarine rescue vessel, A-21 Poseidon. The ship is certified to operate with both NATO and US rescue systems.
The Spanish Navy's new submarine rescue vessel, A-21 Poseidon, was officially named in a ceremony at Navantia's Puerto Real shipyard on September 18, 2026. The vessel is designed to be the primary platform for underwater rescue and intervention operations.
This milestone follows the ship's recent float-out. The BAM-IS programme was initiated to meet the operational needs of Spain's S-80 submarine fleet, providing dedicated support throughout the submarines' service lives. It will replace the older rescue vessel Neptuno.
Advanced rescue and intervention capabilities
The BAM-IS vessel combines multiple advanced systems into a single platform. It can deploy a submarine rescue vehicle and operate remote vehicles for inspection and intervention at depths reaching 3,000 metres.
Its missions are diverse. They include deep-water intervention using mixed-gas diving systems, underwater repairs, and recovery of submerged objects. The ship will also conduct search missions, provide hyperbaric treatment for diving accidents, and help protect underwater archaeological sites. Furthermore, it will support conventional naval operations and assist in training divers for the Spanish Navy.
Interoperability with allied forces
A key feature is the vessel's MOSHIP certification. This makes Poseidon the first Spanish Navy ship capable of serving as a mother ship for two major allied submarine rescue systems.
The systems are NATO's Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) and the United States Navy's Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS). This certification boosts Spain's role in multinational rescue operations and improves interoperability with partner navies.
Industry and military collaboration
Senior officials praised the project as a product of strong collaboration. Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy, Admiral Antonio Piñeiro, called it a demonstration of commitment to national technological development. He said cooperation between the navy and Spanish industry "constitutes a strategic capability in its own right."
Navantia's Chairman, Ricardo Domínguez, also spoke at the event. He stated the vessel resulted from close work between Navantia, the Ministry of Defence, and the Spanish Navy. "Poseidon possesses capabilities that make her truly unique," Domínguez said. He added the ship aligns with the Navy 2050 Plan and goals for European defence autonomy.
The vessel's sponsor is María Dolores Higueras Rodríguez, Spain's first underwater archaeologist. Construction of the BAM-IS began in 2021. The naming ceremony marks a major step toward delivering one of Europe's most advanced submarine rescue ships.
