After two decades of collaboration, the Spanish company considers its presence in Australia a fundamental part of its identity and international projection | View the Program Summary in PDF
Founded in 2005, though with origins dating back to the mid-20th century, Navantia is a Spanish state-owned company specializing in naval engineering, military shipbuilding, and integrated defense systems. Its international presence has been especially consolidated in Australia, where, for almost two decades, it has taken part in strategic programs for the Royal Australian Navy. Its subsidiary, Navantia Australia, has contributed to the design, construction, and maintenance of vessels such as the Hobart-class destroyers, the LHD amphibious assault ships, and the replenishment and logistic support vessels.
Los Líderes visited Navantia’s headquarters in Madrid to exchange views with Juan de la Cueva, the company’s Director of Sales and Business Development. Throughout the conversation, the Navantia representative outlined the company’s recent history, its technological capabilities, its relationship with the governments of Spain and Australia, and the major challenges the naval sector faces in the future.
Navantia currently employs around 300 people in Australia, mainly in Melbourne and Sydney, but also in Perth and Canberra. After taking part in the construction of the Royal Australian Navy’s major vessels, the company now focuses on maintenance, technical support, and advanced engineering. Following the delivery of the last logistic support ship in 2021, Navantia signed a five-year maintenance contract with the Australian Government, ensuring its continued operations and industrial presence in the country.
Los Líderes showed interest in Navantia’s submarine-building capabilities. Juan de la Cueva highlighted the features of the S-80 Plus submarine, the first fully Spanish-designed model. This submarine is equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, a technology that places it between nuclear and conventional models, as it can remain submerged for long periods, making detection more difficult. Spain currently has two operational submarines and expects to have four in the near future. With this model, Navantia is competing in Poland’s ORKA program and has also offered it to other countries.
The discussion also touched on the impact of new technologies and how they are radically transforming the industry. A clear example is the progress made in artificial intelligence and 3D modeling, which has revolutionized the way ships are designed and built. Artificial intelligence can be applied to a wide range of calculations, optimizing processes, reducing costs, and shortening design times.
Another area that will define the industry’s future — and in which Navantia is also investing — is that of autonomous vessels. The company has already developed prototypes that have participated in international NATO exercises, demonstrating their interoperability and networked command and control capabilities. Although there are still technical and regulatory challenges, these projects represent a decisive step toward the future of maritime navigation and defense.
Despite its strong presence in countries such as the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, Australia holds a special place for the company, as it was the country that allowed Navantia to make the leap into the international market. “We are very proud of what we have developed in Australia. Our intention is for Australia to continue being a very important part of our story,” said Juan de la Cueva.
Meeting Attendees:
Juan de la Cueva, Commercial and Business Development Director at Navantia
Carolina Jiménez, Communications and Marketing director, Navantia
