Spanish submarine arriving at Cartagena April 2005.

I think this is an Agosta class SSK.

Apart from the US, GB and Russia, do any other nations have significant submarine power?
You always hear about those three lurking the world's oceans, but I never knew Spain even had subs.

Most European and Scandinavian countries have submarines. After the big 3 countries I think the French and maybe China are the only ones to have nuclear submarines. India, Iran and a few South American navies have small numbers of subs.

Does Russia have much of a submarine fleet left? They seem to have a fair number listed but I wonder how many are actually in a condition to be used (safely or otherwise).

Wikipedia (maybe not the most accurate) has the Russians with 37 nuclears (+5 being built), 20 conventional (+2), and 7 "auxiliary" vessels.
I very much doubt that these are all safe/seaworthy.
An interesting site is :
http://www.warfare.ru/?catid=243&linkid=1720

Peter g.

Spain is a pioneer country in submarines.

Narciso Monturiol launched his "Ictineo" 28 June 1859.
Isaac Peral launched 8 September 1888 a submarine which is considered the first practical submarine vessel planned as an underwater weapon.

Submarines of the spanish navy at present:

4 S-60 Daphne class
4 S-70 Agosta class

Plus 6 S-80 Scorpene class under construction or project.

Regards,

Anton aus Tirol